SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – Alice Wong, a prominent disability rights activist and author, passed away at the age of 51 due to an infection on Friday at a hospital in San Francisco. Her close friend, Sandy Ho, reported the news and emphasized the profound impact Wong had on the disability justice movement.
Wong was renowned for her advocacy for the rights of individuals with disabilities, particularly from marginalized communities, including people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and immigrants. She envisioned a world where such individuals could live freely and have full autonomy over their lives and decisions. Born to Hong Kong immigrants and living with muscular dystrophy, Wong utilized a powered wheelchair and an assistive breathing device, yet her spirit and determination remained undeterred.
Before her passing, Wong shared a statement reflecting on her journey, expressing that she never anticipated her life would lead her to activism and writing. She attributed her success to the friendships and mentors who supported her, empowering her to overcome challenging situations and embrace her identity. Wong passionately believed in the necessity for more stories about the experiences and cultures of individuals with disabilities.
Throughout her career, Wong advocated for transitioning individuals out of institutions and into their communities. She made significant contributions through her writing and leadership of the Disability Visibility Project blog, which amplified the voices and perspectives of disabled individuals. Ho highlighted Wong's unique ability to weave humor into her work, making her memoir, "Year of the Tiger: An Activist's Life," not only entertaining but also a poignant exploration of disability.
Wong's legacy is rooted in her belief that individuals with disabilities should advocate for themselves, asserting that no one should speak on their behalf. Her commitment to this principle resonated throughout her career, making her a vital figure in the ongoing dialogue surrounding disability rights.
In recognition of her influential work, Wong was named among the 2024 class of fellows of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, recipients of the prestigious "genius grant." This acknowledgment further cements her status as a leading voice in the disability rights movement.
