Disabled Women Make History: Elizabeth McCormick
Twenty-three-year-old Elizabeth McCormick started boldly advocating at a very young age.
“When I was 10, I petitioned my school district to make my school's playground wheelchair accessible. The letter I wrote to the school board was typed in comic sans. It's kind of funny to think about a 10-year-old having the audacity to do that, but it reminds me that advocacy has always been a part of me.”
Since moving on from elementary school, Elizabeth’s advocacy efforts have only grown. Originally from Niagara Falls, Elizabeth went to University at Albany where she received a B.A. in Public Policy and a Master’s in Public Administration. While at University of Albany she was president of Delta Alpha Pi, the honor society for disabled students and interned for the D.C. Office of Disability Rights. She also played a role in advocating for the creation of the Office of Disability Services within UAlbany’s student government. As a recent graduate, Elizabeth is starting a new phase of her life as a young professional and as a new cat mom to her recently adopted Deaf cat, Holly.
Elizabeth is also working hard in her role as a Policy Analyst for the People with Disabilities Committee in the New York State Assembly. She keeps track of all the bills that go through the committee, spends time listening to what advocates think about bills, and focuses on current events that may impact disability policy. She uses this information to suggest any changes a bill may need or recommend bills that can be sent to the committee to be voted on.
“I am passionate about the work that I do because I have always been interested in making change. Often, the bills address one small part of an entire system, but it feels good to be a part of making those small changes that will eventually have an impact on people.”
Elizabeth is keenly aware of the impact of having a disabled person in her role and hopes that more disabled people will get involved with policymaking.
“I think it is important to have disabled people involved in all elements of policy making, from the ground up. I have expertise as a disabled person that nondisabled people wouldn't have. Sometimes, in policymaking, you will have all the facts you need, but those facts don't always reflect the reality of people's lives and if something will work in practice. Without disabled people having eyes on those bills, sometimes a bill ends up being written "about" the disabled community with good intentions to resolve an issue but not actually "for" disabled people,” Elizabeth explained.
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“That is also why it is important to have disabled people of different identities and experiences involved in policy. I try my best, but there may be things that I miss simply because I am only one person!”
While Elizabeth is deep into the world of disability advocacy now, she did not have many mentors when she was young to help her on this path. In fact, she did not have any disabled women mentors until she was in her late teens which made it hard for her to envision her future because she never saw another disabled woman like herself. However, that’s all changed now as Elizabeth has surrounded herself with more disabled women.
“The community of disabled women I have met has been my greatest strength. I continue to become a better leader by watching and supporting others. If I didn't know other disabled women making change, I wouldn't have the support I need to continue doing what I do,” Elizabeth shared.
“It's hard work and can be discouraging, it's not something you should do alone. It is important to have someone who knows what you're going through. Plus, it gives you a lot of confidence to know other people want to see you succeed!”