Alice Wong Disability Rights Legacy: A Final Call for Visibility and Hope

The disability rights movement has lost one of its most powerful voices. Alice Wong, a formidable activist and writer, died on November 15, 2025. She was 51 years old. Wong passed away at a hospital in San Francisco. Her death was confirmed by close friends and colleagues.

Wong was the founder of the Disability Visibility Project. She dedicated her life to amplifying the stories and rights of disabled people. Her work fundamentally reshaped the national conversation on inclusion and accessibility in the United States.

Championing a More Visible Future

Alice Wong was born in 1974 in Indianapolis. Her parents were immigrants from Hong Kong. She lived with muscular dystrophy from a young age, which shaped her perspective.

Wong earned degrees in English and Sociology from Indiana University. She later moved to San Francisco for graduate studies. Her academic work focused on medical sociology, informing her future advocacy.

She founded the Disability Visibility Project in 2014. This initiative collected oral histories from disabled Americans. According to Reuters, the project became a crucial archive for a often-overlooked community.

A Lasting Impact on Policy and Culture

Wong’s influence extended far beyond community storytelling. She was a skilled policy advisor who worked with various national organizations. Her insights helped shape more inclusive legislation and corporate practices.

In 2022, she published her memoir, “Year of the Tiger.” The book detailed her life and activism with unflinching honesty. It quickly became a seminal text in disability studies and advocacy circles.

Her final message, shared posthumously, was a call to action. “We need more stories about us and our culture,” she wrote. She expressed unwavering belief that “disabled oracles” would light the way to a better future.

Continuing the Work She Started

The legacy of Alice Wong’s work is immense. The Disability Visibility Project continues to thrive, inspiring new generations. Her advocacy created permanent pathways for disabled voices in media and politics.

Wong’s passing marks a profound moment of reflection for the community. Yet, her message of resilience and hope provides a clear direction forward. The movement she strengthened is now tasked with continuing her vital mission.

Alice Wong’s disability rights legacy endures as a testament to the power of storytelling and relentless advocacy, ensuring that disabled voices will never again be silenced.

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Who was Alice Wong?

Alice Wong was a pioneering disability rights activist and writer. She founded the Disability Visibility Project to amplify disabled voices in America. Her work significantly advanced the movement for inclusion and accessibility.

What is the Disability Visibility Project?

It is a community storytelling initiative Wong launched in 2014. The project collects and shares the oral histories of disabled people. Its goal is to ensure these experiences are preserved and heard.

What did Alice Wong accomplish?

She advised on national disability policy and published a influential memoir. Wong also built a vast network connecting disabled activists and artists. Her work increased media representation for the community.

How did Alice Wong die?

She died in a San Francisco hospital. The specific cause of her death has not been publicly disclosed. She was 51 years old at the time of her passing.

What was her final message?

Wong’s final words urged the community to keep telling their stories. She expressed love and solidarity for all disabled people. Her message emphasized hope and resilience in the face of ableism.

Trusted Sources
Reuters, Associated Press, Disability Visibility Project, Year of the Tiger: An Activist’s Life