Join us for a Look Back at the History of Disability Activism in Seattle

Did you know that 1 in 4 American adults have a disability? Although this accounts for roughly 42.5 million people, accessibility support and infrastructure are still lacking across the U.S. As we approach the 30^th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we are taking a look back at the history of disability activism in Seattle to highlight the people and events that have paved the way for equity for the disability community.

In 2024, the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Historic Preservation Program has been supporting a team of researchers and advisors from the disability community to gather information on the history of disability activism in Seattle for a historic context study. The first of its kind in the United States, this project was designed to be an inclusive and intersectional exploration of disability activism in Seattle and the places and people connected to those stories.

On November 13, the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods and the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) will be hosting an event to provide an overview of the study and hear from a panel of local disability activists and thinkers. Panelists will share stories and experiences that highlight advocacy efforts for equitable access and disability justice.

You are invited to join us for an evening of history, equity, and inclusion focused on disability activism in Seattle.

Event Details

Seattle Disability Activism History
Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 7 p.m.
Faye G. Allen Grant Atrium
Sliding scale: free-$50
Register to attend this event.

Panelists

Colin Wilfrid, Moderator

Colin Wilfrid is a recent graduate from the University of Oregon with a major in political science and a minor in disability studies. Colin (he/they) has autism and served on the leadership team for AccessAbility Student Union and

was also a member of the Coelho Law Fellowship, a program that works to increase disability representation in the legal profession.

Carol Rozumalski

Carol is an accessibility coach and strategic advisor with over 20 years of experience in helping organizations create more inclusive and accessible environments. Her expertise is born out of being a disabled GenXer living a life uncharted. She has encountered inaccessible environments and experiences daily and has had to find solutions before many accessible practices were commonplace.

Elizabeth Ralston

As a deaf woman who uses cochlear implants to hear, Elizabeth faces accessibility challenges every day. Elizabeth Ralston is a consultant who guides organizations in the strategic development of an accessibility roadmap, with an emphasis on equity and inclusion. She has over 25 years of experience working with nonprofits, government agencies, and academic institutions.

Michelle Bacca

Michelle Bacca is a recent graduate of the Master of Urban Planning program at the University of Washington, with certificates in Historic Preservation and Disability Studies. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and has a professional background in senior living software consulting. As an independent researcher, Michelle seeks to enrich place experience and conserve place memory. Striving to advance disability justice in preservation, her work emphasizes accessibility, belonging, and the feasibility of public systems of cultural care.

Seattle's Historic Preservation Program conserves the city's heritage through its historically meaningful places. For years, historically marginalized communities have been excluded, and in some cases, harmed by the historic preservation movement. We believe it's our responsibility to work with communities to identify what they find historically significant. We hope this project and event will make it easier for the community to discuss and advocate for the places connected to these important stories.