Respectability Conference attracts 350 advocates & allies, March 7-8

The 3rd Respectability Conference brought California activists from all major disability groups to Los Angeles to strategize on areas of common concern. The Governor’s proposed budget cuts brought urgency to the discussions, especially those centered on healthcare and benefits. Plenary sessions brought forward testimony from residents of the high desert, the inland empire and urban areas—describing discriminatory practices, inaccessibility and ignorance about life with a disability, which combined with poverty, can result in insurmountable obstacles.

State Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas opens the Respect-Ability conferenceState Senator Ridley-Thomas opened the conference with a rousing speech; Phyllis Cheng, new director of the department of Fair Employment & Housing, invited advocates to work with her; and Brent Boyd - former National Football League player who was injured during his careerBrent Boyd, former NFL player, advocated at the closing session for those who became disabled as a result of their gridiron careers. The conference program was developed by the Disability Rights Legal Center, the California Foundation of Independent Living Centers, California Network of Mental Health Clients and PAI, among other members of the Respectability Coalition. A transcript of plenary sessions is being edited and will be available from the conference organizers.