Disability is an issue of human rights, justice, and equity.
Speech delivered by Michele Mashburn at the first annual Disability Pride flag-raising ceremony at the Santa Clara County Building on July 23, 2026 Thank you, Supervisor Duong, for creating this space today. And thank you to the Division of Equity and Social Justice, and Viviana Barnwell, for your work envisioning…
My name is Shira Leeder. I am a disability rights advocate, and I am writing regarding an urgent issue that requires immediate attention. As an advocate for myself and others with disabilities, I am deeply concerned about the proposed cuts to In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) in the California state budget. IHSS is…
by Michele Mashburn on the All Things Disability Equity web site, June 4, 2026 Two weeks ago, more than 100 people lay down in a parking lot in East Oakland. Above them stood cardboard gravestones: “Died unhoused.” “No suicide hotline.” “Rural hospital closed.” “Can’t afford insurance.” Hospital and ER staff,…
The following opinion piece by disability activist Michele Mashburn was published in San Jose Spotlight. In a recent op-ed by San Jose Downtown Association CEO Alex Stettinski, he expressed concerns about the impact of Americans with Disabilities Act-related lawsuits on small businesses. He advocated for a “time to fix” period,…
Dear Community Members! We are thinking of you as we acknowledge the many disturbing events in the world right now; the ongoing wars and imperialism, the continuing hate and legislation targeting our Black, Jewish, Asian, Muslim, Latino/a/e, and LGTBQ+ communities. All amidst an unrelenting pandemic and an amplifying climate crisis.…
On October 19th, 2021, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors will be hearing 2 items together to improve inclusion for residents with disabilities in the County’s broader equity efforts. (click for the agenda) Your support is needed to ensure the adoption of the Disability Inclusion and Equity Pledge(Item 10) and…
The Accessibility Working Group of SURJ@Sacred Heart invites you to join us for an anti-ableism workshop with Michele Mashburn of the San Jose Justice and Peace Center.
People with disabilities, seniors, parents of children with disabilities, service providers, teachers, families with limited English proficiency, and those with limited access to transportation are invited to take this survey collecting experiences of members of the Access and Functional Needs Community on the COVID-19 response in Santa Clara County.
Support this fundraiser to purchase a wheelchair accessible van for Michele Mashburn! As you likely know, Michele Mashburn has been the Director of the San Jose Peace and Justice Center for almost 5 years. She has been an extremely dedicated community builder, facilitating connections between various groups and providing relevant resources…
Please sign the petition asking Governor Newsom to Lead on Medicare for All! We want to gather as many signatures as possible by January 20, 2021.
