The San Francisco community and the broader disability rights movement are mourning the loss of Alice Wong, a pioneering activist, writer, and advocate, who has passed away.
Alice Wong Obituary
Wong, celebrated for her transformative work in elevating the voices of disabled people, was widely known as the writer of Teen Vogue’s “Disability Visibility” column, as well as the founder of the Disability Visibility Project, an innovative oral history initiative in collaboration with StoryCorps.
Her passing marks the end of a life devoted to amplifying the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of disabled communities across the United States and beyond. Born and raised in the United States, Alice Wong became a passionate voice for disability rights early in her life.
Through her writing, public speaking, and activism, she challenged societal perceptions of disability, advocating for accessibility, inclusion, and representation.
Her contributions extended beyond policy and academia; she created spaces for storytelling that centered the lived experiences of disabled individuals, ensuring that their voices were not only heard but celebrated.
In her Teen Vogue column, “Disability Visibility,” Wong explored issues affecting disabled youth, sharing narratives that were honest, insightful, and often deeply personal.
Her writing bridged generations, highlighting systemic inequities while also celebrating the creativity, resilience, and diversity within the disabled community. Through her words, Wong inspired readers to confront ableism, reconsider assumptions about disability, and actively engage in advocacy.
Beyond her writing, Wong’s impact was perhaps most profoundly felt through the Disability Visibility Project, which she founded to document oral histories of disabled people nationwide.
Partnering with StoryCorps, the project captured personal narratives spanning multiple generations, backgrounds, and experiences, providing an invaluable resource for scholars, activists, and the public.
Wong’s vision for the project reflected her deep commitment to storytelling as a tool for empowerment, education, and social change. Wong’s extraordinary contributions were recognized in 2024 when she was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship, commonly known as the “genius grant,” honoring her ingenuity, leadership, and dedication to justice.
The recognition highlighted not only her individual accomplishments but also the broader movement for disability rights that she tirelessly supported throughout her life. Her work paved the way for greater accessibility in media, public spaces, and cultural discourse, leaving an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire activists and writers for years to come.
Colleagues, friends, and community members remember Alice Wong not only for her brilliance and advocacy but also for her warmth, humility, and unwavering commitment to justice.
She fostered collaboration, mentorship, and support, encouraging others to find their voice and contribute to meaningful change. Her life was a testament to the power of storytelling, empathy, and activism.
