Tools & Resources
[Tools & Resources]
Honoring Women Who Pioneered Accessibility and Community-Based Care
As we celebrate Women’s History Month at CIL, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the contributions of women who have championed accessibility, inclusion, and the deinstitutionalization of care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These trailblazers laid the foundation for community-based living, opening doors to independence and belonging—values that remain at the heart of CIL’s mission.
The journey toward deinstitutionalization was neither simple nor swift. For decades, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities were often confined to institutions, isolated from their families, and cut off from community life. It took determined advocates to challenge this system and imagine a future where everyone could have a place to call home within the community.
Dr. Elizabeth Boggs – a Founder of The Arc of the United States, serving as the Association’s first Woman President
Dr. Elizabeth Boggs, a scientist, became a leading voice for disability rights after the birth of her son with developmental disabilities. Her advocacy was instrumental in shaping U.S. policy, particularly through her role in the creation of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 1975. Dr. Boggs believed that people with disabilities deserved more than care—they deserved choice, inclusion, and the opportunity to thrive within their communities.
Check out this YouTube video featuring Dr. Boggs discussing the Developmental Disabilities Act.
Judith Heumann – the “Mother of the Disability Rights Movement”
Judith Heumann played a pivotal role in advancing community-based living. A fierce advocate for accessibility and independent living, Heumann fought for systemic changes that culminated in landmark legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Although Heumann, who had polio as a child, was told she could not attend school at age five because her wheelchair was deemed a “fire hazard,” she later earned her degree in education and became the first user of a mobility device to teach in a New York public school. Her experiences with discrimination fueled her passion for civil rights protections for people with disabilities. In 1977, she organized the successful Section 504 sit-ins in San Francisco. She also co-founded the World Institute on Disability and served as the first Special Advisor for International Disability Rights at the U.S. Department of State, promoting disability rights worldwide.
Check out this TED Talk featuring Judith Heumann about the groundbreaking protest she helped lead called the Section 504 sit-in -- in which disability rights activists occupied a federal building for almost a month, demanding greater accessibility for all.
Johnnie Lacy - a Fearless Advocate at the Intersection of Race, Gender, and Disability
Johnnie Lacy was a Black activist whose work was critical to the independent living movement. At age 19, Johnnie contracted polio, a life-altering event that exposed her to the harsh realities of discrimination. Despite facing barriers while pursuing her education, she earned her degree and became a leading voice in the independent living movement. Johnnie’s impact on the disability rights community was profound. She was instrumental in the founding of the Center for Independent Living (CIL) in Berkeley and went on to lead Community Resources for Independent Living (CRIL) from 1981 to 1994. Under her leadership, CRIL became a vital resource for people with disabilities in Southern Alameda County, offering mentorship, employment support, and access to medical services.
Learn more about Johnnie Lacy by reading this piece by the Center for Learner Equity.
Mary Lou Breslin – a Champion of Health Care Reform
Mary Lou Breslin is a disability rights law and policy advocate and analyst. Growing up with a polio-related disability, Breslin faced limited educational opportunities but persevered, earning a degree in sociology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. In 1979, she co-founded the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), playing a pivotal role in the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Breslin has also championed healthcare reform for people with disabilities, ensuring the 2010 Affordable Care Act included accessibility requirements. Today, she serves as senior policy advisor with DREDF, leading healthcare research initiatives.
Check out this video featuring Judy Heumann’s tribute to Mary Lou Breslin from the 37th Anniversary celebration of DREDF where Mary Lou Breslin was presented with The Edward M. Kennedy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Alice Wong – founder of the Disability Visibility Project
Alice Wong is a Chinese American disability activist, writer, and consultant who has spinal muscular atrophy. Growing up, Wong wrestled with the desire to blend in but found her calling in disability advocacy. In 2013, she was appointed to the National Council on Disability by President Barack Obama, advising on policies impacting people with disabilities. Wong is best known for founding the Disability Visibility Project, an online community dedicated to amplifying disability media and culture. She also works as an independent research consultant for organizations like Netflix and Twitter.
To learn more about Alice Wong, check out this video courtesy of NBC News that covers her life story, the Disability Visibility Project, and the need to change how the mainstream media talks about disabilities.
At CIL, these legacies are deeply woven into our work. For over 45 years, we’ve stood beside care providers, navigating the complexities of real estate to create homes that inspire independence, connection, and community. As we honor these remarkable women, we’re reminded that the path to community-based living was paved by those who refused to accept isolation as the norm. Their vision continues to guide our mission today: to ensure that everyone, regardless of disability, has the chance to thrive in a place they can truly call home.
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