Systems Advocacy

Systems Change, Public Education, and Access

Summit Independent Living, like all Centers for Independent living, emerged from the disability rights and independent living movements of the 1970s, rooted in collective action and bold activism by and with people with disabilities. From the historic 504 sit-ins to the first curb cut, our movement has always fought for the right to live freely and accessibly in our communities.

Our advocacy program continues this legacy through advocacy, equity, and justice, prioritizing those most impacted by systemic barriers. Summit’s advocacy to drive creative, meaningful change, increase public knowledge of disability issues, and reduce barriers at all levels is rooted in the lived experiences of people with disabilities and shaped by strong relationships across diverse disability communities.

One of our core systems advocacy principles is Nothing About Us, Without Us.

Summit’s System Advocacy Program goals include conducting systems change advocacy, public education activities, and barrier removal to:

To accomplish our systems advocacy goals, Summit’s advocacy program takes a three-pronged approach: educating policymakers and the public, advocating for meaningful systemic change, and reducing barriers that prevent full participation by people with disabilities. To learn more about the services Summit has to offer in each of these areas, check out our Public Education, Systems Change, or Accessibility Services pages.

Together, we’re building a more inclusive world — where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.