Editor’s Note: REV UP was founded in 2016 by grassroots activists in Texas to build the power of the disability vote—and over the past decade, it has grown into a powerful national movement. REV UP stands for “Register, Educate, Vote, Use your Power!” As we celebrate 10 years of impact, we are spotlighting leaders from across the country whose work reflects the strength and influence of the REV UP movement.
Helena Berger is not just a former President and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). After serving as AAPD’s President and CEO, she decided to continue to serve AAPD and the disability community in a different way: as co-Chair of REV UP Virginia.
Berger has since played a major role in expanding REV UP from a state-based effort into a powerful national force. Under Berger’s leadership, AAPD helped to elevate REV UP to the national stage as part of AAPD’s mission to increase the economic and political power of people with disabilities.
Berger recalls the moment that sparked the expansion of REV UP to a national initiative. After meeting Bob Kafka, founder of REV UP Texas, at a conference in Austin, the idea of taking REV UP national began to emerge. After discussing the possibility of a national movement, Kafka discussed it with leaders involved in REV UP Texas. To create meaningful change, Bob maintained that the disability community needed to become a powerful voting bloc that would influence the outcome of elections and, consequently, public policy.
“For Bob, REV UP was a national organizing tool that would harness the power of the disability vote to drive change and shape a better future for disabled people,” Berger said.
Berger’s devotion to disability advocacy and voting rights is rooted in decades of experience. Her first role in government affairs was with the Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association, now known as the United Spinal Association, where she began building her career in disability rights. She was also inspired by the work of advocates within AAPD, including efforts led by Jim Dixon to strengthen the disability voting rights movement. Berger has now brought her passion to the state level with REV UP Virginia.
REV UP is a network of state-based coalitions made up of disability organizations, advocates, and grassroots leaders. For Berger, this model is essential. She describes coalition-building as a way to build consensus, share and learn from each other, and to create “a grassroots organizing tool… a way to mobilize.” This work, she emphasizes, is often “an incremental process” rooted in state and local change.
The persistence necessary for grassroots coalition building has shaped Berger’s experience as a leader. Reflecting on the early days of building REV UP Virginia, she shared that it was not always easy. Over time, seeing the coalition grow and witnessing its impact has been deeply meaningful. “It’s been a gratifying experience to start building something that really had the ability to grow,” she said.
Since launching in April 2021, REV UP VA has increased its membership to nearly 30 partners and expanded its events and advocacy. Berger points to several accomplishments she is especially proud of, such as organizing events during Disability Voting Rights Week, hosting ress conferences and candidate forums, and expanding the coalition’s digital presence with the launch of their website. Helena reflected that with support from AAPD’s REV UP National team, the coalition has strengthened its infrastructure and deepened its impact year after year.
REV UP VA’s advocacy has also led to meaningful policy change. In Virginia, one significant barrier for disabled voters has been voting rights for people under guardianship. Previously, individuals under guardianship in the state of Virginia were often presumed ineligible to vote. Through advocacy efforts led by REV UP VA and partners, legislation to remove this barrier was introduced in 2025 and signed into law in 2026.
“That law is now saying that just because [you are] a person with a disability, or anybody who is under guardianship, it does not automatically mean that you can’t vote,” Berger explained. “Now it’s just the opposite.” This new law ensures that when a disabled person is assigned a guardian, the individual’s voting rights will be maintained, unless an explanation is given to the Court regarding why they need to be removed. This shift signifies a step toward expanding access and affirming the rights of disabled voters.
For Berger, this work is grounded in a larger belief about civic engagement and its role in building disability power.
“[Voting] is a fundamental right that democratic societies have, and we should not take that lightly,” she said.
She also emphasized the importance of guaranteeing that the disability community is fully included in broader civic efforts.
“It’s really important that we have more mainstream voting organizations and other organizations that care about building political power, and making sure that the disability community is an integral part of that,” she said.
Her advice for emerging leaders reflects the values that have kept her motivated throughout the years: “With patience and persistence, we’re going to get through this.” Just as importantly, “it’s also important to celebrate the wins, big and small.”
Berger’s leadership with REV UP VA and work to bring REV UP to the national level demonstrate how, through coalition building, advocacy, and persistence through incremental successes, REV UP leadership is paving the way to a more inclusive, accessible democrac