It’s possible that some of you may have heard of the death of Hale Zukas recently, who was a disabled man living in California. Born with cerebral palsy, which restricted him in many aspects of life, Hale became a disability rights activist and a champion for helping people with disabilities get equal support and rights across widespread society.
His death has prompted a mass outpouring of remembrance for a man who helped to lead a revolution in the world of disability rights, helping to push for access to services, public spaces and transport for those who had disabilities and required the use of special vehicles or aids.
Hale was famous for using tactics which originated in the civil rights era. His life was marked by protests and lobbies to get politicians in the DC area to support the cause. Arguably his most famous campaign came in 1977 when he and dozens of activists all staged a takeover of the federal building in San Francisco for 26 days. Everyone slept on the floor and refused to leave, with their end goal of getting people to enforce a law which demanded equal rights and access for people with disabilities – all publicly funded.
From confronting local politicians to chasing down figures on the street to engaging them in conversation, Hale had no problems cutting a striking image for himself in his electric scooter, campaigning tirelessly for equal rights until his death at 79.
Judy Heumann is a disability rights activist herself and had this to say about Hale:
“Hale will be remembered for his audacity and his relentlessness. He didn’t let things get in his way. He was definitely a move-forward guy.”
As disability support workers Gold Coast, we are saddened to hear about the passing of a legend. There were, in our opinion, very few men like Hale – he accomplished so much with such a life-changing condition.
Activists for disability are working tirelessly all around the world because the battle is indeed a slow one. It’s not our status as human beings which are recognised – it is often our personal liberties which are pushed aside. There are still many parts of the world which are not as inclusive of disabled people, many of whom can contribute much to the world. However, without the opportunity to do so – given to them through the support available – it is hard to allow these people the chance to prove themselves and thrive.
People like Hale showed the world that such disabilities were not restrictive when faced with an important mission and drive to change things. His unwavering commitment and drive to bring about change are proof that anyone can do great things regardless of who they are, and we’re happy to see that his legacy is so keenly felt by activists around the world. Well done, sir. You earned your rest – we’ll all keep working on your behalf to make sure that it’s a more inclusive world for everyone.