12/04/2025
December 3rd marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, as designated by the United Nations.
The 2025 theme — “Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress” — invites us to recognize those whose work has moved us closer to that vision. This year, Disability EmpowHer Network is taking this day to honor the life and legacy of a disabled woman whose leadership and advocacy embodied that theme.
Alice Wong, a groundbreaking author, activist, and champion for disability rights and disability justice, passed away on November 14, 2025. As the disability community mourns her loss, we also celebrate her life and unwavering commitment to amplifying disabled voices, advancing disability justice, and expanding the political and cultural visibility of disabled people. Her impact continues on and is reflected in the work that we do every day to support and uplift disabled women, girls, and nonbinary folks.
Thank you, Alice.
Photo credit: María del Río; Disability Visibility Project
Image Description: Purple text on a background adorned with stars reads, “Remembering Alice Wong on International Day of Persons with Disabilities; Thank you, Alice, for using your voice to empower the disability community, promote and advance the principles of disability justice, and increase the political and cultural visibility of disabled people.” In the center of the image is a picture of Alice Wong, an Asian American disabled woman with a tracheostomy at her neck. She is wearing a bright red lip color and a denim shirt. She is looking intently into the camera and the sun is shining behind her with a bunch of plants. The Disability EmpowHer Network logo is in the lower left-hand corner of the image.
