Message from the President and CEO, Cass Isidro
August 26th marks Women’s Equality Day, commemorating the passage of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which granted women the right to vote. This day serves as a moving and fundamental reminder of the progress made. Just as women fought tirelessly for their rights, we, too, are firm in our commitment to advocating for equity and inclusivity for all individuals within the limb loss and limb difference community. We are all connected.
We are in a time where we are creating space for more honest conversations to learn and be open to teachable life lessons, especially in our advocacy for disability rights. If you are like me, seeing the progression of universal design being incorporated as a best practice, accessibility rights improving, advocating for access to all, and our human rights seeing more equitable positioning at the state and federal levels have helped you shape your lens and passion as a true champion for inclusivity and progress. This is the time to celebrate, reflect on our progress, and continue knowing there is more we can do. Many of our grassroots and National organizations share our reflection that there is deep work to continue in making progress. As we reflect, my hope is that we use these elevated awareness days, months, and movements to give us a fire to keep growing, learning, making change, and coming together as a community for good.
As we lead into the day to celebrate and acknowledge Women’s Equality Day this Saturday, August 26, 2023, we reflect on the remarkable journey toward equity and empowerment that women have embarked upon. Women in the limb loss and limb difference community inspire others with their resilience but equity in the limb loss and limb difference community goes beyond gender as it encompasses race, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, and more, and by embracing diversity, we enrich our community. The Amputee Coalition is dedicated to fostering safe spaces that promote open and honest dialogue and collaborative partnerships.
One of the most powerful ways we can celebrate Women’s Equality Day is by committing to the growth of the next generation. Let us be the ones to open new doors or keep the ones open that were opened before us.
I say often that partnership is our way forward and I strongly believe that creating a world where our community thrives and equity is at every table, cultivated in conversation, and the fabric of language in our movement dedicated to change this will take collective action. As a limb loss and limb difference community, we have the opportunity to come together, ELEVATE voices, and continue to keep progress moving through meaningful and lasting change. Whether it’s through our national awareness campaigns, support groups, peer-to-peer visitors program, policy, advocacy, or telling our #WeTHRIVE stories, our efforts can move mountains.
We honor the observance of Women’s Equality Day which not only commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment but also calls attention to women’s continuing efforts toward full equality. We also celebrate the achievements of women within the limb loss and limb difference community, acknowledging their resilience, contributions, and ongoing commitment to progress. We are all connected.