New SF disability cultural center honors past, ignites a future rooted in 504 Sit-Ins of 1977

The San Francisco disability cultural center opened as a tribute to the historic 1977 "504 Sit-In," where over 100 activists occupied a federal building to demand civil rights for disabled individuals. Co-director Emily Beitiks highlighted the center's purpose as a gathering space that celebrates disability culture through various forms of artistic expression. Eli Gelardin, director of the San Francisco Office on Disability and Accessibility, affirmed the city's commitment to inclusivity for all individuals with disabilities, including those aging into or acquiring disabilities. This center serves as a reminder of the long-standing fight for equality, with Alice Wong emphasizing the importance of recognizing disabled people's history and culture. Debby Kaplan, a participant in the original protest, recounted the determination of activists to push for change, stating, "We realized that we are much more powerful than we ever imagined.

" Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which the activists fought for, laid the groundwork for future legislation protecting disabled rights. Beitiks noted that even after 35 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act, significant barriers still exist for disabled individuals. The center aims to confront these challenges and reinforce the message that disabled lives are valuable and deserving of celebration.