Disability Rights Activists

May 2026 - June 2026

Acrylic Paintings by Emma Rarick

Visibility is vital to recognizing that everyone is truly capable of success. Too often, "disability" is spoken in a whisper, as if the word itself creates discomfort. Yet, it is these cautious whispers — and an "out of sight, out of mind" mentality — that create the true barriers, and frame disability as a tragedy rather than a natural part of human life.

Disability is simply a different way of navigating the world. While it thrives on communication and support, the exact same can be said for any high-performing team. I am incredibly proud to work together with Kohl’s diverseAbilities BRG to create Disability Pride artwork that ensures people with disabilities have the opportunity to feel celebrated and well-equipped to succeed.

These portraits celebrate the deep pride and resilience of people with both visible and invisible disabilities. Reading about these activists in Judith Heumann’s memoir, Being Heumann, allowed me to feel included in a legacy for the first time and to understand how current the disability rights movement truly is. Through my artwork, it is my joy to pass that feeling forward—inviting everyone to feel included in our story.