Event Recap: Our Future of Disability Advocacy Panel
By Lauren Mandel
Grief, confusion, frustration, fear. Amidst the uncertainty of modern times in the political realm and beyond, emotions like these can immobilize an individual in their tracks. But they can also give rise to a powerful force for change.
On April 15, three newly appointed executive directors of Bay Area disability organizations came together to discuss disability advocacy as a form of solace and an opportunity to transform emotion into action.
Hosted by UC Berkeley’s Disabled Students’ Program and the Disability Cultural Community Center, the panel was moderated by graduate students Ryan Manrique and Cyn Macias-Gómez, with ASL interpretation and real-time captioning provided.
Meet the Panelists —
Nicole Bohn, executive director of the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF), brings 20 years of experience in higher education and city policy work, including time as Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator for the City and County of San Francisco. Bohn and her team at DREDF protect civil rights through policy, education, and legal advocacy. DREDF has secured major victories, including accessibility lawsuits against Kaiser and UCLA, and now faces a crucial battle defending Section 504 against challenges from 17 states.
Dr. Erik Greenfrost, a Bay Area resident since 2007, now leads Senior & Disability Action (SDA). Greenfrost previously worked with organizations such as Silicon Valley Gay Men’s Chorus, Bears of San Francisco, and Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. SDA’s mission is to organize and empower communities in self advocacy, with a focus on people with disabilities and seniors. Their most recent action involved a protest at Airbnb headquarters against proposed Medicaid cuts suggested by the Department of Government Efficiency.
Dr. Carmen Varela was welcomed as executive director of the Disabled Students’ Program (DSP), bringing 30 years of prior experience as a disability rights practitioner in Texas and California. She is currently studying the intersection of disability and race in higher education. Her focus is on creating an inclusive campus culture that goes beyond compliance work, empowering students to find their voices and drive institutional change within the educational system.
The Discussion —
The discussion opened with reflections on leadership and community-building. Bohn touched on the importance of trust and alliances: “We need everyone at the table, and we need to hear everybody’s voice. People with disabilities are hungry to come together in frustration, in grief, in action, and we need to continue as leaders to facilitate those spaces as much as we can.”
Dr. Greenfrost introduced the concept of temporary ableism, reminding the audience, “We are all just future seniors if we are so lucky,” and called for spaces of joy, solidarity and individual agency.
Education also emerged as a key theme. Dr. Varela stressed a proactive approach to inclusive accessibility: “Education is not just exclusive to some people — it’s a right to every single person. We must be proactive and not reactive when it comes to accessibility.”
She noted the more holistic approach the University is taking, including use of assistive technology and collaboration with structural designers, faculty, and students.
Although the uncertainty of modern times was evident, panelists also urged a shift away from focusing solely on struggle. Drawing inspiration from the Black Joy Movement, Dr. Greenfrost advocated for highlighting success and joy within the disability community, while Bohn encouraged acknowledgement of innate privileges.
Storytelling, they agreed, is essential for sharing these joys and driving change. Dr. Varela encouraged students to “become empowered and don’t be afraid to speak truth to that power,” and Bohn emphasized the need for clear, specific goals when engaging with lawmakers.
Looking ahead, Dr. Greenforest highlighted interconnected as key: “We are only as strong as the folks that are showing up in different ways.”
Panelists highlighted the importance of networking with lawmakers, parents, philanthropies, the UC system, and existing disability organizations to bring a new energy to the movement.
As for those wondering how to help, leaders noted the importance of self-care — yet also pushed individuals to educate themselves, develop passions, uplift others, and remain concrete in the story they hold.
“Take a deep breath,” Dr. Greenfrost urged, “exhale, and then find your co-conspirators. And then get to work.”
