Bed-In: A Disability-Led Protest Outline
May 17 | 3 PM EST | 2 PM CST | 1 PM MST | 12 PM PST | 11 AM AKST | 9 AM HST
Mission Statement
Bed-In: A Disability-Led Protest is an accessible virtual event advocating for disability rights, uplifting disabled voices—especially those who are bedbound or housebound—and promoting inclusive activism. This event highlights the barriers disabled people face in traditional protest spaces and provides alternative methods of advocacy.
- Outline
I. Welcome & Opening Remarks
• Introduction to Bed-In and its purpose.
• Acknowledgment of participants, especially those advocating from their beds.
• Overview of the event schedule and accessibility features.
II. Disability Rights & How to Advocate
A. Section 504 & ADA Workshop
• What is Section 504? Overview of the law’s impact on disability rights. Advocacy efforts and historical significance.
• Project 504:
Video where disabled people share their stories about the 504.
• Educational Rights: Ashley Jacobson speaks on disabled students’ rights and protections under 504 and ADA.
B. Disability & Disaster Preparedness
• Shari Meyers from Disability Disaster Hotline. discusses the intersection of disability and emergency preparedness.
• How disabled people are disproportionately affected by disasters.
• Policy changes needed for inclusive emergency response.
III. Invisible or Non Apparent Disabilities& Advocacy
• Discussion on challenges faced by those with non-apparent disabilities.
• Barriers to recognition, accommodations, and participation in activism.
IV. Alternative & Accessible Protest Methods
• Panel Discussion: Different ways disabled individuals can engage in activism.
• Squeaky Wheel: The power of digital advocacy.
• Skeleton Key Workshop/DIYabled: Creative and independent approaches to activism.
• Social media, letter-writing campaigns, and virtual organizing.
V. Understanding Ableism & Its Impact
• Definition of ableism and how it affects disabled people.
• Real-world examples and systemic ableism in education, healthcare, and employment.
• How non-disabled allies can actively dismantle ableism.
VI. Uplifting Disabled Creatives
• Performances & Showcases
• Valois J Vera: Poetry reading.
• Gaelynn Lea: Musical performance and discussion on disability in the arts.
• Creative contributions and discussion on disabled artistry.
VII. Closing Remarks & Call to Action
• Recap of key takeaways.
• Encouragement to continue advocacy beyond the event.
• Resources for ongoing involvement in disability activism.
VIII. Q&A & Community Discussion
• Open floor for participants to share experiences and ask questions.