Disability Action Hall: Building Capacity, Reducing Harm
Disability Action Hall continues to serve as a disability‑led space for connection, learning, and action. Our recent work has focused on strengthening individual preparedness, building community resilience, and advancing responsible, non‑partisan advocacy.
Here’s what that impact looks like in practical, measurable terms.
Reducing Isolation and Building Social Resilience
Disability Action Hall continues to function as a low‑cost, high‑impact model for reducing social isolation. Regular participation and peer connection support mental health, sustained engagement, and leadership development.
Why this matters:
Strong social connection is a protective factor against crisis, burnout, and disengagement — particularly during periods of economic pressure and policy uncertainty.
Outcomes:
- High participant retention across meetings
- Increased peer‑to‑peer support without additional financial resources
- Strengthened trust that enables more effective advocacy and collaboration
Expanding Accessible Civic Education
The Hall is using accessible tools — such as film‑based discussions, art based placemaking, panels and community events — to spark public learning about disability rights, policy barriers, and lived experience.
Why this matters:
These approaches engage people who might not otherwise participate in policy conversations, broadening awareness and empathy while lowering barriers to entry.
Outcomes:
- Identified opportunities to engage new audiences
- Increased readiness to host inclusive, low‑barrier public education events
- Stronger community partnerships around storytelling and learning
Advancing Responsible, Non‑Partisan Advocacy
Participants continue to monitor and respond to policy changes affecting disabled people, including income supports and benefit programs. The Hall maintains a non‑partisan approach, engaging across political lines and centring lived experience rather than ideology.
Why this matters:
Effective advocacy requires credibility, coordination, and informed participation — especially during periods of policy transition.
Outcomes:
- Coordinated advocacy roles identified
- Clear principles guiding external engagement
- Continued trust with cross‑sector partners
Organizational Learning and Improvement
Recent funding feedback has highlighted the importance of making outcomes and sustainability more visible — a focus the Hall is actively addressing.
Outcomes:
- Clearer articulation of short‑ and long‑term impact
- Alignment with food justice networks through recognition as a Good Food Organization
- Strengthened foundation for future funding and partnership conversations