DRC Event 2023 Gala

The Art of Disability Justice

The Art of Disability Justice was born from a simple idea: to bring people together and to raise awareness about disability justice. Our goal with the event was to be able to gather individuals from the community to come together for the disability community.

“The ‘Art of Disability Justice’ just kind-of tied our mission together with the venue. Artists sometimes can reach people in ways that other folks can’t.” – Andy Imparato

View the event program here

Honoring Champions of Disability

The evening honored Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights Cathrine Lhamon and Assemblymember Ash Kalra for their contributions to the advancement of disability rights. Lhamon was honored with DRC’s National Leadership Award in recognition of her extraordinary leadership and impact in enforcing the civil rights of students with disabilities. In presenting her award, Andy Imparato called Lhamon a “fierce advocate” and, “the most talented disability rights attorney that I’ve met in a government role.”

Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights Cathrine Lhamon awarded with DRC's National Leadership Award

Asm. Ash Kalra awarded with DRC's California Leadership Award

Assemblymember Kalra accepted DRC’s California Leadership award in recognition of his longstanding commitment to civil and human rights and disability justice, most recently demonstrated with his courageous vote against the CARE Act. DRC Director of Public Policy Eric Harris said, “he was the first ‘no’ vote on that bill (CARE Act) and we truly, truly appreciate his work.”

Powerful Performances

Vanessa Ochoa (left image) and Elizabeth Campos (right image) sing on the Gala stage

Art was central to the evening—from performances from members of the disability community, to the logo for the event, and the venue itself.

DRC employees Vanessa Ochoa and Elizabeth Campos sang in Spanish during the program. Ochoa dedicated the song, “Todo Pasa” which translates to “everything happens” to the support groups she has worked with, specifically to the mothers who, “sacrifice themselves for their kids with disabilities.” Campos said that the song she performed “Creo en mi” which translates to “I believe in myself” was about, “living with a disability and learning to love yourself.”

Alice McCullough performing her poem “We Might Be Giants”

DRC welcomed Belfast-based poet, film-maker, performer and activist Alice McCullough to perform. She is a recent recipient of the Major Artist Award from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and wrote, directed, produced and starred in a one-woman theatrical show “Earth to Alice,” a candid collection of songs and poems, which has won numerous awards. Her art is informed and inspired by her lived experience with bipolar disorder.

She performed an original poem titled, “We Might Be Giants.” The poem reflects on McCullagh’s experiences as a person living with bipolar disorder, being an artist, and her time in California away from her native Ireland. The poem plays with the idea of being small, or “wee” as the Irish would say, and the idea of largeness—in mind and spirit.

The evening’s program concluded with a high-energy drum and dance performance from Fenix Drum and Dance Company, celebrating the music and culture of West Africa.

Thank you to everyone who was able to come!

We look forward to another great event next year and appreciate all your continued support of Disability Rights California. Special thanks to our wonderful sponsors for their support.

Together we can affect change for the disability community across California and the nation!