INFORMATIONAL

December 29, 2025

Ed Roberts Day

On January 23, we honor Ed Roberts, widely known as the Father of the Independent Living Movement. After contracting polio at age 14, Roberts became a trailblazer for disability rights, and his work transformed the struggle for access, inclusion, and independence for people with disabilities.

Roberts was the first student with significant disabilities to attend UC Berkeley, where he helped launch the first Center for Independent Living—a model that inspired Centers across the country, including the movement that shaped Disability Network Mid-Michigan. His advocacy laid important groundwork for later progress, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Ed Roberts Day is a moment to celebrate his legacy and recommit to building a community where every person can live with dignity, independence, and full inclusion.

How to Honor the Day

Learn about Ed Roberts’ life and work
Share his story using #EdRobertsDay
Support local advocacy that continues his mission

Ed’s vision lives on—today and every day—as we work toward a more accessible and inclusive Mid-Michigan.