Think Tank2024-05-03T16:50:59+00:00

Change Leaders in the Disability Community

working  to ensure access and equality for every human.

We all have the power to create change and make the world a better place.

Here’s to the Change Leaders- folks out there blazing a trail for the rest of us. They’re the Einsteins, the Ed Roberts, the Justin Darts, the Martin Luther Kings, and Helen Kellers of our generation. You’ve probably heard of most of them, and if you haven’t, you will.

Each of us has the power to create real change and make the world a better place, we just have to roll up our sleeves and do it. Our hope is that getting a glimpse into the lives of people out there making a difference will inspire you to do the same.

If you’re motivated by something these Change Leaders in the disability community have done – go do something. Anything. A big act or a small act, but do something. Let us know what you’re up to and we’ll shout from the rooftops.

  • .There’s none exempt from this disability community, and as a matter of fact we’re the cool community, because we accept everybody.” Keith Jones

Disability Activist Keith Jones on Community

"So let us remember that when we teach, when we educate, we make policy, we make decisions that we do it with a conscience and that we remember that we are leaving fingerprints on forever." Keith Jones

I Am Disabled and I Am Proud

‎"Polite society often tells us that we need to take the 'dis' out of disability, but maybe... just maybe, we should spend some time putting it back in. Take the "dis" out of disability and you remove the core of what has shaped my life. Disability puts the "D" in diversity, but in order to make that a real difference we've got to own that spot. It took me 35 years to respect and honor that truth. Others shouldn't have to wait that long..." Lawrence Carter-Long

Senator Harkin Delivers Speech in ASL Upon ADA Passage in 1990

Upon passage of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 13th, 1990, Senator Tom Harkin delivered a speech on the Senate floor in American Sign Language. Harkin, whose brother Frank was deaf, was the lead Senate author of the ADA, which was enacted later that year. His speech is the first in American Sign Language to be delivered from the Senate floor.

  • Ollibean Think Tank Amy Sequenzia Advocacy on turquoise and green background

Supporting Young Autistics

We hope that young autistics today will be proud of themselves and without shame. The message that boy received at that moment was the opposite of acceptance. It was ableist and it came from someone who is part of our own community.

Snacking: The Little Bite That Won’t Hurt You

Ollibean contributor Kristie Salzer talks about the benefits of "refueling" between lunch and dinner to decrease hunger related meltdowns for kids. We love her suggestions of 25 super easy snacks to get you started!

  • a teenage light skinned boy with freckles, wearing a black jacket, blue and white striped sweater, pink collared shirt is standing in front of large columns and steps that lead to the Lincoln Memorial

Listen Up

Listen Up! the PSA from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network and Autism Acceptance Month has been released!

Go to Top