Disability Victory Academy

Disability Victory Academy is an accessible, multi-week, virtual campaign training program for disabled progressives who want to run for office or work on a campaign at the local or state level. It is led by organizers, trainers, and elected officials who can speak to the challenges that disabled leaders face in the campaign environment. 

We are currently fundraising to launch our first Disability Victory Academy cohort. To receive updates on the Academy and other Disability Victory programming, join our mailing list. If you would like to support Disability Victory Academy, learn about our sponsorship options below or consider donating to Disability Victory.

Why Disability Victory Academy?

In the wake of the 2024 presidential election, it is clearer than ever that we must build progressive power in our communities. Local elected leaders including school board members, city councilors, and mayors are on the frontlines of our fight to create safe and inclusive communities and schools. State legislators have made important gains in protecting reproductive access and gender-affirming care, expanding voting rights, and advocating for environmental protections.

 

The disability community is no stranger to fighting for our rights. From taking groundbreaking action to fight for the Americans with Disabilities Act, to putting our bodies on the line to save the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid, to innovative civic movements like #CripTheVote, disabled people have a rich history of organizing for change. Now, it’s time for us to take our power and leadership to city halls and state houses around the country as we fight for our communities.

About the Disability Victory Academy

Disability Victory Academy teaches essential campaign and organizing skills through a six- to seven-week training program consisting of three-hour “training blocks.” During each block, attendees will participate in two interactive training sessions led by experienced trainers, as well as hear from a disabled former candidate, elected official, campaign staffer, or advocate about their experiences in the political arena.

Disability Victory Academy’s syllabus focuses on six core areas.

  1. Campaign launch and operations

  2. Field organizing

  3. Communications

  4. Fundraising

  5. Building a policy platform

  6. Sponsor demonstrations and special topics

This program is ideal for first-time candidates or staff who want to run a winning campaign rooted in meeting the needs of their communities. The Academy will teach disabled leaders how to address the challenges they will face as candidates, staff, and organizers, whether that’s canvassing with a mobility disability, doing accessible digital organizing, or confronting ableism in the political sphere.

Sponsor the Academy

Disability Victory Academy will build a pipeline of disabled leaders who will effect change in their communities. We are inviting you to become a sponsor and help build the movement of disabled progressives entering the political arena. Your sponsorship empowers disabled leaders to learn how to run winning campaigns and serve their communities. 

If you are interested in sponsoring Disability Victory Academy, get in touch with us at hello@disabilityvictory.org.

  • At $1,000, your contribution will sponsor accommodations and cover access needs for a Disability Victory training block. Benefits:

    • Recognition in program materials for sponsoring access needs and accommodations

  • At $2,500, your contribution will pay for our trainers’ time and expertise for a Disability Victory Academy training session. Benefits:

    • Your name or organizational logo prominently displayed on the Disability Victory Academy website

    • Inclusion of your name or organizational logo in our program materials as an Advocate sponsor

  • At $5,000, your contribution will pay for our trainers’ time and expertise for a Disability Victory Academy training block. Benefits:

    • All Advocate benefits

    • A half-page promotional space in our program materials

    • Named recognition during the training block by the main speaker

  • At $10,000, your contribution will cover the curriculum development, training time, and accommodations for an entire Disability Victory Academy training block. Benefits:

    • All Advocate and Activator benefits

    • Your organization will be recognized as a named sponsor of the Disability Victory Academy

    • Inclusion of your organization logo on our social media graphics

    • A full-page promotional space in our program materials

    • An opportunity to speak to Academy participants during our sponsor demonstrations block to introduce your organization

  • At $20,000, your contribution will cover the full programmatic costs for half of a Disability Victory Academy cohort. Benefits:

    • All Advocate, Activator, and Mobilizer benefits

    • A 60-minute training program developed and presented by Disability Victory’s staff for your organization on disability inclusion & accessibility

  • At $40,000, your contribution will cover the full programmatic costs for an entire Disability Victory Academy cohort. Benefits:

    • All Advocate, Activator, Mobilizer, and Change Maker benefits

    • Two 60-minute training programs developed and presented by Disability Victory’s staff for your organization on disability inclusion & accessibility