The Unforgettable Roar of Alice Wong: A Visionary Who Reshaped Disability Justice

It’s with a heavy heart, and a profound sense of loss, that we reflect on the life and monumental impact of Alice Wong, a truly singular voice in the disability rights movement. Alice, a groundbreaking activist, author, and the driving force behind the Disability Visibility Project, passed away on February 11, 2024, at the age of 51. Her departure leaves an undeniable void, yes, but her legacy? That, in truth, is an inextinguishable flame, still burning brightly for countless individuals.

You see, Alice wasn't just an advocate; she was a storyteller, an architect of community, and frankly, a force of nature. Diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, her lived experience became the bedrock of her relentless activism. She didn’t just talk about inclusion; she embodied it, demanded it, and built platforms for it. And perhaps her most celebrated creation, the Disability Visibility Project (DVP), launched back in 2014, stands as a testament to this vision. It wasn't merely a blog or a social media campaign; it became a vibrant, digital sanctuary — a place where disabled people could, for once, tell their own stories, in their own words, without filter or apology. It was revolutionary.

Her work, thankfully, didn’t stop there. Alice curated and edited the pivotal anthology, “Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century,” which honestly, changed the game for so many. It wasn't an academic tome; it was a mosaic of raw, authentic narratives, laying bare the complexities and joys of disabled life. Then came her own memoir, “Year of the Tiger: An Activist’s Life,” a deeply personal exploration of her journey, her identity, and her unwavering fight for justice. Through it all, her words resonated with a power that few could match.

What’s more, Alice Wong was a brilliant innovator, a master of leveraging technology to break down barriers. She communicated using an AAC device, relied on a ventilator for breathing, and yet, these tools weren't limitations. Oh no, quite the opposite. They were extensions of her voice, her will, her very presence. She demonstrated, unequivocally, that disability and technology, when combined with fierce intellect and passion, could forge new pathways for advocacy and connection. Her ability to thrive, to lead, to inspire, all while navigating significant physical challenges, truly redefined what was possible.

She championed intersectionality, insisting that disability couldn’t be viewed in isolation. For Alice, it was inextricably linked with race, gender, class, and other aspects of identity. Her work consistently highlighted the voices of those most marginalized within the disability community itself — Black, Indigenous, and people of color, queer individuals, and others who often found themselves overlooked. It was a testament to her deep empathy and commitment to truly universal liberation.

The tributes pouring in from across the globe underscore the monumental impact Alice had on countless lives. She was, you could say, a beacon — guiding the movement toward a more just, inclusive, and truly accessible future. Her spirit, her wisdom, her tireless advocacy; they all endure. Alice Wong showed us, through her remarkable life and her powerful words, what it means to live authentically, to fight fiercely, and to love unapologetically. And for that, we are eternally grateful. Her work, her legacy, will undeniably continue to inspire new generations of activists, pushing the boundaries of what society perceives as possible for disabled people. That's a promise, I think.