Disability Rights Activist Alice Wong Passes Away at 51

Alice Wong, a prominent disability rights activist and author, has passed away at the age of 51 due to an infection at the University of California, San Francisco hospital. Wong was a major figure in the disability justice movement, known for her work through the Disability Visibility Project, which she founded in 2014.

According to her friend Sandy Ho, Wong's influence was profound, marking her as a luminary in the field whose legacy will continue to resonate within the community. Wong, born with muscular dystrophy to immigrant parents from Hong Kong, faced significant challenges from a young age, including bullying and discrimination.

She often described herself as a 'disabled cyborg,' utilizing assistive technology to navigate her life and activism. Her memoir, Year of the Tiger, published in 2022, highlighted her journey and her commitment to dismantling systemic ableism.

Wong's work was rooted in the belief that people with disabilities, particularly those from marginalized communities, should have autonomy over their lives. Her advocacy spanned various platforms, including her co-founding of the #CripTheVote movement in 2016, aimed at fostering discussions about disability issues in political contexts.

Wong's literary contributions included editing several works on disability and writing for platforms like Teen Vogue. She was awarded the MacArthur 'Genius' Grant in 2024, recognizing her impactful advocacy and storytelling efforts.

Wong's passing is seen as a significant loss to the advocacy community, inspiring potential renewed discussions on disability rights within political spheres. Her family shared a touching message, reflecting on her fierce dedication to disability justice and her ability to create connections through storytelling.

Wong's advocacy extended to interacting with political figures, including attending a White House reception for the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act via a telepresence robot, marking a significant moment in her activism.

In her own words, Wong expressed the importance of sharing stories and fostering community among people with disabilities, emphasizing the need for more narratives about their experiences and culture. The legacy of Alice Wong will likely inspire future generations of advocates as the fight for disability rights continues.