Disability advocates to hold panel on voting rights in Selma Jubilee

Disability voting rights advocates from throughout the nation will gather at the 2026 Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee this weekend and will hold a discussion panel on March 7. 

Speakers will include members of national disability rights organization, REV Up. They will speak about voting rights in civil rights history and its relevance to today. 

“The original Selma foot soldiers risked their safety and their lives to march toward a bold dream of an inclusive democracy," said Maria Town, President & CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities.

"Their commitment ultimately spurred the passage of the Voting Rights Act and laid the foundation for disability voting rights. More than 60 years later, this bold dream has yet to become a reality for far too many in our nation.”

Partners of the event include Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program, League of Women Voters Alabama, New Disabled South, Poor People’s Campaign of Alabama and the American Association of People with Disabilities.

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“Hosting a Disability Voting Rights panel in Selma — where the fight for voting rights changed the course of our nation — reminds us that disability voting rights are part of that same ongoing struggle,” said Kim Bailey, President of the League of Women Voters of Alabama.

“Walking in the Footsteps of Courage means honoring the past, confronting present barriers, and committing to a future where every disabled voter can participate fully in our democracy.”

New Disabled South CEO Dom Kelly said, “Disability Rights and Civil Rights are deeply intertwined. It is why New Disabled South continues to engage legislators all across the South to protect and expand disability voting rights. And, it’s why we continue to organize and mobilize disabled people in the south all year round."

"Voting is one tool in a toolbox, but it’s critical that we engage our community around that tool outside of election time so that we can build power long-term. There has never been a more critical moment for this conversation and this work, especially in this region.”

The panel will take place at 1 p.m. at Ward Chapel A.M.E on 811 Philpot Avenue in Selma. Register here.