We rally in observance of the 25th Anniversary of the Olmstead Act, not in clelbration of its passing, but as a call for the intention of it to actually become fulfilled. Despite its existence, Disabled people continue to be separated from society, continue to be without services in community, and continue to be without basic supports that are required for community access. 

We come together as a working draft for intersectional, inclusive, accessible movement work. So often Disabled, Neurodivergent, and/or Chronically-ill bodies and minds are not able to participate in forms of protest or celebration - whether it be about disability or not. This rally is a way to explore what it means to embody accessibility as we gather and to reflect on the ways that all forms are oppession are connected (-Staceyann Chin) so that we may work and rise together. Disability is in every justice movement, and every other justice movement is in the fight for disability justice. We cannot fight singularly. This rally is a cross disabilty, cross-movement MOVEMENT. 

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Attendees can engage with the Caravan for Disability Freedom and Justice, where they can learn more about the history of disability rights and can record their own experiences as way to create to collective voice from across the country. Alongside this, attendees can connect with the Durham County Board of Elections to register to vote, to obtain voter ID, and connect to transportation for voting through Disability Rights North Carolina. 

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We hope that people, groups, organizations, and businesses will self-organize and come as a group. By getting folks in your networks to know about this event and then supporting the transportation needs for those that you can, you are contributing to the accessibility of this event. Transportation to events is often one of the most significant barriers. Who needs to be at this event that you know? How can you help them get there?

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Folks are encouraged to create signs with images or words they feeled moved to share during the rally. Examples: addressing the gaps still faced despite the Olmstead Act passing 25 years ago, showing the connection between the focus of your organization and disability justice, simply saying who you are, something you stand for as it relates to disability rights, Disabled/Neurodivergent/Chronically-ill experience.

Filling out this registration form helps us prepare, but you are welcome to just show up.

Show up how you show up. We are making space for you. 

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This event will have 2 locations running simultaneously. One is outdoor and high stimulus and one is indoor and low stimulus. The events occuring at the outdoor/high stimulus location will be live streamed through a projector in the auditorium of the community center at the indoor/low stimulus location. It will be at a low volume with closed captions. There will be live audio description, ASL, Spanish translation, and CART. All of this will be done consecutively and will be heard/viewable in both locations. Scroll down this page to learn more about accessibility features at each location. 

The food we are providing for dinner is from A Alston Smokehouse, a catering company and food truck from our neighborhood. The meal will be burgers, hot dogs, turkey BBQ, and fries. Cookies are being provided by L'Arche. We acknowledge this does not reach all preferences and dietary needs. Outside food is welcome.