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Atlanta City Council proclaims support for New Disabled South; advocates call for accessible policies
Summary
At a council meeting, a proclamation recognized New Disabled South's regional work. Organization representatives and a self-identified disabled council member urged accessibility, inclusion in policy-making and that disabled people's voices be heard in Atlanta.
Atlanta City Council read a proclamation expressing the city's support for New Disabled South and its work to promote disability justice across the South.
An unidentified speaker (Speaker 1) opened by recounting the group's origins, saying, "This organization came out about 5 or 6 years ago, at the height of the pandemic," and that the group's purpose is to "bring liberation, disability justice, and highlight the importance of disability rights within the South." The proclamation text, read aloud by Speaker 1, stated that the council "hereby express[es] our heartfelt support and appreciation of New Disabled South in recognition of its impactful work in the city of Atlanta and the broader Southern region."
A representative of New Disabled South (Speaker 2) welcomed the recognition, saying it "feels really good" and calling the proclamation an acknowledgment of their work in Atlanta and in Georgia. Speaker 2 said the organization seeks to "represent the disabled folks in Atlanta today, who deserve so much more," and described an ongoing effort "toward a world where disability rights and disability justice is not an afterthought, but it's a part of everything around us."
Speaker 2 outlined concrete priorities for integration of disability concerns into city life: "Our buildings are accessible. Our policies include disabled people, that disabled people have access to democracy," and that government listens when disabled people ask that officials "do right by us."
Both speakers addressed representation on the city council. Speaker 2 noted surprise and pride that a board member became a city council member, saying it means "that we all get to collectively hold council accountable." Speaker 1, who spoke as a disabled individual, described serving on the council as "very transformative," adding that "disability often isn't represented in local government" and that seeing representation can shift perspectives about who can hold elected office. "Regardless of your disability . . . you can be a city council member," Speaker 1 said, urging inclusion and amplification of disabled voices.
No motions or formal votes were recorded in this exchange. The remarks functioned as a recognition of New Disabled South's work and as an appeal for accessible policy and greater representation in Atlanta government.
