Alice Wong, Influential Disability Rights Activist, Passes Away

Alice Wong, a prominent disability rights activist and author, has tragically passed away at the age of 51. According to NPR, she died from an infection at the University of California, San Francisco hospital.

Wong was known for her significant contributions to disability rights and justice, with her friend Sandy Ho describing her as a 'luminary' in the movement. Wong's family released a statement reflecting on her fierce advocacy for disability justice, stating that she will be remembered as a brilliant writer and community organizer.

Wong was the founder of the Disability Visibility Project, which aimed to highlight disabled voices and culture through storytelling. This initiative started in 2014 with an oral history project in partnership with StoryCorps, which encourages people to share their personal experiences.

Born in Indianapolis to immigrant parents from Hong Kong, Wong was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at birth. She faced numerous challenges throughout her life but became a strong advocate for herself and others.

Wong earned her bachelor's from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and later a master's from the University of California, San Francisco, where she worked for over a decade. Her memoir, 'Year of the Tiger: An Activist's Life,' published in 2022, reflects her journey and passion for living unapologetically as a disabled person.

Wong identified as a 'disabled cyborg,' expressing how technology was integral to her life. She was vocal about dismantling systemic ableism and advocated for the rights of marginalized communities, including people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and immigrants.

Wong was also a co-founder of the #CripTheVote movement, which aimed to facilitate discussions about disability issues in politics. Her humor and relatable writing style resonated with many, and her work emphasized the importance of disabled people speaking for themselves.

Sandy Ho noted that Wong's legacy is that people with disabilities should tell their own stories. Wong served on the National Council on Disability at the invitation of President Obama from 2013 to 2015, even attending events remotely with a telepresence robot.

Wong's remarkable contributions were recognized when she was named a fellow of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation for the 2024 class, often referred to as a 'genius grant.' As the disability community mourns her loss, her influence on disability rights and representation will continue to inspire advocates for years to come.