Disabled in Action

rdf:langString Disabled in Action

rdf:langString Disabled In Action of Metropolitan New York (DIA) is a civil rights organization, based in New York City, committed to ending discrimination against people with disabilities through litigation and demonstrations. It was founded in 1970 by Judith E. Heumann and her friends Denise McQuade, Bobbi Linn, Frieda Tankas, Fred Francis, Pat Figueroa, possibly Larry Weissberger, Susan Marcus, Jimmy Lynch and Roni Stier (all of whom were disabled). Heumann had met some of the others at Camp Jened, a camp for children with disabilities. Disabled In Action is a democratic, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, membership organization. Disabled In Action consists primarily of and is directed by people with disabilities. As stated on its website, the organization aims to "fight to eliminate the barriers that prevent [people with disabilities] from enjoying full equality in American society." DIA believes in the motto, "Nothing about us without us!" The organization meets monthly in New York City and publishes a newsletter, in print and online, called The DIA ACTIVIST. Disabled In Action, along with the , is involved with The One Step Campaign, a coalition of disability, advocacy and service organizations. The campaign encourages stores, restaurants and other places of public accommodation in the New York City area to provide wheelchair accessibility.