Plain Language

So Much to Fight For

The late disability activist Alice Wong, a woman with short dark hair and a trach at her neck.

Alice Wong, the noted disability activist and author, died Nov. 14.

Wong spoke at a 2023 University of Minnesota lecture and discussion event held at the College of Education and Human Development. Impact printed her edited remarks in a feature issue on disability rights and disability justice.

“Culture change is hard, and we have to have more stories about us and by us to show the world our wisdom, innovation, creativity, and brilliance,” Wong wrote. “I am determined to share our truths, prophecies, and warnings with the world, especially those created by marginalized disabled people, because our wisdom is vital….The fight against ableism and inequality is universal, and there is so much to fight for together.”

Volume 38, Number 3 | Winter 2025-26

Feature Issue: Plain Language

Issue Editors:

Becca Monteleone, associate professor of disability studies, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio

Jerry Smith, director of marketing and communications, Institute on Community Integration, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis

Liz Weintraub, senior advocacy specialist, Association of University Centers on Disabilities, Silver Spring, Maryland

Managing Editor: Janet Stewart

Graphic Designer: Sarah Curtner

Web Developers: Jonathon Walz

Impact is published by the Institute on Community Integration (UCEDD), and the Research and Training Center on Community Living and Employment (RTC), College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota. It is supported, in part, by Grant #90DDUC0070 from the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to the Institute; and Grant #90RTCP0003 from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), HHS, to the RTC. Additional support for this issue was provided by Grant #5 T73MC12835-14-00 from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, HHS, to the Minnesota LEND.

The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Institute, Centers or University. The content does not necessarily represent the policy of the US Department of Health and Human Services, or Department of Education, and endorsement by the Federal Government should not be assumed.

For print copies contact: Institute on Community Integration, University of Minnesota, 2025 East River Parkway Minneapolis, MN 55414 • icipub@umn.edu.

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The University of Minnesota stands on Miní Sóta Makhóčhe, the rightful homelands of the Dakhóta Oyáte. We recognize the U.S. did not uphold its end of these land treaties. It is the current and continued displacement of the Dakhóta Oyáte that allows the University to remain today.

Ongoing oppression and discrimination in the United States has led to significant trauma for many people of color, immigrants, people with disabilities, and other oppressed persons. At ICI, we affirm our commitment to address systemic racism, ableism and all other inequalities and forms of oppression to ensure inclusive communities.