Women with disabilities have shaped movements, broken barriers, and redefined leadership; yet, their contributions are often overlooked.
At L’Arche, we celebrate the leadership and contributions of people with disabilities—this Women’s History Month, we honor ten remarkable women whose advocacy and innovation continue to pave the way for a more inclusive world. We recognize their brave, bold and daring accomplishments. From their stories, we learn that dedication, hard work and a strong will can create lasting change when one has the courage to fight for what she believes in.
Here are ten incredible women whose work continues to shape the world.
1. Judy Heumann – Disability Rights Advocate
A pioneer for disability rights, Judith Heumann played a crucial role in advancing policies that protect and empower disabled people. After being denied a teaching license due to her disability, she sued and won, becoming one of the first wheelchair users to teach in New York City. She was a leader in the landmark 504 Sit-in, which led to the implementation of the first federal civil rights protections for disabled Americans. Later, she helped pass key legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and co-founded the World Institute on Disability. Her work laid the foundation for modern disability rights movements worldwide.
2. Alice Wong – Writer, Activist, & Cultural Commentator
Alice Wong is the founder of the Disability Visibility Project, an initiative that amplifies disabled voices through storytelling, advocacy, and media. As a disabled woman of color, Wong has worked to bring intersectionality into the disability rights conversation. Her books, including Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century, highlight the lived experiences of disabled people in a way that is both educational and empowering. She continues to use her platform to advocate for disability justice, healthcare access, and representation in the media.
3. Greta Thunberg – Climate Activist
Greta Thunberg has become a global symbol of youth-led climate action. Diagnosed with autism, she has spoken openly about how it shapes the way she sees the world, calling it her “superpower.” Her ability to focus intensely on issues of injustice and communicate with unwavering clarity has helped her rally millions to demand action on climate change. Thunberg’s activism highlights how neurodiversity can be a strength, challenging stereotypes about autism while advocating for a sustainable future.
4. Vilissa Thompson – Writer, Social Worker, & Disability Advocate
Vilissa Thompson is the founder of Ramp Your Voice!, a platform dedicated to amplifying the experiences of Black disabled women. She has written extensively on the intersections of race, gender, and disability, calling attention to how Black disabled people are often left out of mainstream conversations on equity. As a consultant and public speaker, she educates organizations on inclusive policies and the importance of representation in leadership spaces.
5. Tammy Duckworth – Veteran, Senator, & Disability Activist
A U.S. senator, Iraq War veteran, and double amputee, Tammy Duckworth has broken barriers in both politics and disability advocacy. She was the first woman with a disability elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and later became the first senator to give birth while in office. Duckworth has been a strong advocate for disability rights, veterans’ issues, and maternity protections. Her leadership has helped push forward policies that promote accessibility, employment opportunities for disabled people, and support for families.
6. Emily Ladau – Writer, Speaker, & Disability Advocate
Emily Ladau works to educate the public about accessibility and inclusion. As the author of Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to Be an Ally, she provides practical guidance for non-disabled people on how to engage with disability rights in meaningful ways. Ladau also co-hosts The Accessible Stall podcast, where she discusses the complexities of ableism and disability culture. She is a leading voice in making disability advocacy accessible to a wider audience.
7. Dr. Donna Walton – Writer & Disability Advocate
An amputee, author, and founder of the Divas With Disabilities Project, Dr. Donna Walton has dedicated her career to promoting the visibility of Black women with disabilities. Through her work, she challenges beauty standards and societal perceptions of disability, encouraging disabled women of color to embrace their identities with confidence. Her book, Shattered Dreams, Broken Pieces, chronicles her personal journey and resilience after losing her leg to cancer. Walton’s work has helped create spaces where Black disabled women can see themselves represented and celebrated.
8. Stacey Milbern – Disability Justice Activist
A queer, Korean-American disability justice activist, Stacey Milbern was a co-founder of the Disability Justice Culture Club, an organization that supported disabled people in marginalized communities. She was a fierce advocate for housing and healthcare access, particularly for disabled people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals. Milbern’s activism centered on community care, recognizing that true justice includes mutual aid, interdependence, and grassroots organizing. Even after her passing in 2020, her legacy continues to inspire the disability justice movement.
9. Harilyn Rousso – Psychotherapist, Writer, & Activist
Harilyn Rousso has spent decades advocating for the rights of women with disabilities. She has written extensively on the ways that ableism and sexism intersect, shedding light on the unique challenges disabled women face in society. Her book, Don’t Call Me Inspirational: A Disabled Feminist Talks Back, challenges the way disabled people are often seen as objects of pity or inspiration rather than as complex individuals. Through her work in disability empowerment programs, she has helped countless women with disabilities develop self-confidence and leadership skills.
10. Chelsea Werner – Gymnast
An accomplished gymnast and four-time Special Olympics champion, Chelsea Werner has redefined what is possible for athletes with Down syndrome. Despite being initially told she would never have the muscle tone needed for gymnastics, she persevered and became a world-class competitor. Beyond her athletic achievements, Werner has also worked as a model, breaking barriers in the fashion industry by promoting representation for people with disabilities. She has shown the world that with determination and support, disabled athletes can compete at the highest levels.
L’Arche is a place where all are valued and appreciated, and this month we celebrate the accomplishments of women around the globe. The incredible women listed above are great examples to us all. By fighting injustice and overcoming barriers, they teach us the value of determination, perseverance, and confidence used to build a movement of hope and inclusion.
With their stories in mind, together, we can build a more equitable world.
