Summertime greetings to everyone! The warmest season of the year has officially arrived.

I looked out my window at home today and saw the trees moving, so I knew there was a breeze on this hot summer’s day. That got me thinking about how, while I cannot literally see the breeze, I can see the manifestations of the breeze and feel the breeze. I know it is there because of its effects.

Societal change is like that. We work for change via systems advocacy, or “changing the systems” that present barriers to society, especially to people with disabilities. We know that things are changing, but we cannot “see” the actual change in people’s hearts and lives until or unless they show it by their actions. But we can sense it.

I have been in the Independent Living movement for a number of years and have worked on many social change issues. What I know is that it is not fast and it cannot be done alone. There is a sign that hangs in our office that reads, “Never doubt that a group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” –Margaret Mead

We still have much work to do and many barriers to remove before our work for equality is done, but we remain committed to the task. Be healthy and stay safe.

Love, Shari