Alice Wong, a champion for disability rights and a celebrated author, has passed away at the age of 51. Sandy Ho, a close friend of Wong who has been in contact with her family, confirmed that Wong succumbed to an infection at a San Francisco hospital on Friday.
Described by Ho as a leading figure in the disability justice movement, Wong envisioned a world where individuals with disabilities, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds such as people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and immigrants, could lead lives of freedom and self-determination. Born to Hong Kong immigrants, Wong lived with muscular dystrophy, relying on a powered wheelchair and assistive breathing equipment.
In a poignant statement shared by Ho on social media, Wong expressed gratitude for the friendships and supportive teachers who guided her journey from adversity to a place of self-acceptance. Emphasizing the need for diverse narratives that reflect the experiences of people with disabilities, Wong’s advocacy centered on community-based care over institutionalization.
Known for her wit and humor, Wong’s memoir, “Year of the Tiger: An Activist’s Life,” not only entertained readers with its lighthearted anecdotes but also humanized the experience of living with a disability. Her impactful contributions, which included authored books and the founding of the Disability Visibility Project blog, aimed to amplify the voices and perspectives of individuals within the disability community.
Wong, recognized as a 2024 fellow of the prestigious John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, was a recipient of the esteemed “genius grant.” Prior to her passing, Wong expressed disappointment over the discontinuation of her column, Disability Visibility, at Teen Vogue, where she highlighted the importance of featuring disabled journalists.
Reflecting on Wong’s legacy, Ho emphasized the significance of individuals with disabilities advocating for themselves and reclaiming their narratives. Wong’s enduring impact lies in her commitment to empowering the voices of the disability community and challenging stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding disability.