On September 25, the UMass community Alliance Against Ableism (AAA) hosted the Caravan for Disability Freedom and Justice at UMass Amherst, initiating collaboration and education with the Disability Community, broadly described as members of the AAA, UMAIDA ERG, Disability Culture Club, LGBTQIA+ ERG and The Stavros Center for Independent Living.
The Caravan was in the middle of a cross-country tour, shining light on all those that have gone before as well as on current issues Americans with disabilities face. The organization has a rich history of activism and current advocacy on national, regional, and local issues. Tour events are an opportunity to celebrate disability as an identity and help disabled people register to vote, further breaking down barriers many disabled people encounter when attempting to vote, and to help improve a sense of belonging for disabled faculty, staff, and students within college populations.
Presentations included Massachusetts Senator Jo Comerford and Massachusetts State Representative Mindy Domb. At the Haigis Mall there were art exhibits and informational booths sharing resources and information on disability advocacy, disability pride and community, and support services.
At Furcolo Hall there were interactive sessions including a Disability Advocacy Panel featuring UMass psychology alumni Deanna Ferrante, David Paquette, Joshua Pearson. The panel fostered dialogue and understanding about current issues being faced by disabled persons and how to facilitate positive changes in your community. Also, the film Lives Worth Living was shown followed by a Q and A with film producer Alison Gilkey.