For Immediate Release: March 2, 2026
Contact: Jess Davidson, jdavidson@aapd.com; 202-465-5528
WASHINGTON, DC and SELMA, AL – Every year, organizers and community members from across the country gather for the Selma Jubilee, a powerful event that honors the legacy of Bloody Sunday and commits to the ongoing fight for justice.
This March, disability voting rights advocates across the country will gather at the 2026 Selma Jubilee to honor those who marched for equality 61 years ago and reflect on the intersection of disability rights and civil rights.
On Saturday, March 7th, a panel of local and national disability voting rights leaders will reflect on the past and organize for the future of accessible democracy. This conversation will honor the history of disability voting rights from 1965 to today, confront ongoing voter suppression tactics, and uplift what our movements are building next.
Speakers will introduce REV UP, a national, cross-disability grassroots movement mobilizing the disability vote. REV UP stands for Register, Educate, Vote, Use your Power! They will also share opportunities to get involved locally, including joining REV UP Alabama, a state coalition working to build the political power of disabled voters.
As part of the Selma Jubilee programming, you can attend this panel in-person on March 7, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. CT at Ward Chapel A.M.E, 811 Philpot Ave, Selma, AL. Register for the panel here, and learn more about the Jubilee schedule here.
“The original Selma foot soldiers risked their safety and their lives to march toward a bold dream of an inclusive democracy. Their commitment ultimately spurred the passage of the Voting Rights Act and laid the foundation for disability voting rights. More than 60 years later, this bold dream has yet to become a reality for far too many in our nation,” said Maria Town, President & CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities.
“When we, the inheritors of this righteous battle, gather for the Jubilee in Selma to commemorate Bloody Sunday each year, we remember that civil rights and disability rights are not static—they require courageous vigilance and persistence. The Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP) is proud to participate in this crucial conversation with our partners and fellow soldiers as we declare once again in unison that the fight for justice must include every body and every voice,” said Shannon M. Shelley-Tremblay, Executive Director of ADAP
“Hosting a Disability Voting Rights panel in Selma — where the fight for voting rights changed the course of our nation — reminds us that disability voting rights are part of that same ongoing struggle,” said Kim Bailey, President of the League of Women Voters of Alabama. “Walking in the Footsteps of Courage means honoring the past, confronting present barriers, and committing to a future where every disabled voter can participate fully in our democracy.”
“Disability Rights and Civil Rights are deeply intertwined. It is why New Disabled South continues to engage legislators all across the South to protect and expand disability voting rights. And, it’s why we continue to organize and mobilize disabled people in the south all year round,” said Co-Founder, President & CEO of New Disabled South Dom Kelly. “Voting is one tool in a toolbox, but it’s critical that we engage our community around that tool outside of election time so that we can build power long-term. There has never been a more critical moment for this conversation and this work, especially in this region.”
Partners include:
Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program
The Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program advocates for the civil rights of people with disabilities in Alabama. ADAP’s mission is to provide quality, legally-based advocacy services to Alabamians with disabilities in order to protect, promote and expand their rights. The program promotes and advocates for the civil rights of persons with disabilities in Alabama. Visit us at https://sites.ua.edu/adap/.
League of Women Voters Alabama
The LWVAL is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights, build grassroots power in our communities, drive policy change on the challenges facing Alabama and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy. Visit us at https://www.lwval.org/.
New Disabled South
New Disabled South is fighting for disability rights and disability justice in 14 states. Visit us at https://www.newdisabledsouth.org/.
Poor People’s Campaign of Alabama
The Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival is uniting people across Alabama to challenge the evils of systemic racism, poverty, the war economy, ecological devastation and the nation’s distorted morality of religious nationalism. Visit us at https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/committee/alabama/.
The American Association of People with Disabilities
The American Association of People with Disabilities works to increase the political and economic power of people with disabilities. The REV UP Voting Campaign builds the power of the disability vote through a national network of coalitions and organizations. REV UP stands for “Register, Educate, Vote, Use your Power!” Visit us at https://www.aapd.com/about-rev-up/.