Disability Day of Mourning
Disability Day of Mourning honors disabled individuals killed by those who should have protected them. It brings voices together in shared grief.
Align your brand with disability rights advocacy by supporting community vigils and amplifying disabled voices through respectful, grief-centered storytelling.
- Partner with disability advocacy organizations to co-host or sponsor virtual vigils
- Share educational content about filicide prevention and disability justice on social channels
- Feature employee resource groups or community testimonials honoring disabled lives and systemic change
- Create a resource guide linking to anti-filicide toolkits and mental health support for caregivers
Disability Day of Mourning began in 2012. Zoe Gross, a disability rights advocate, organized the first event. She worked with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network.
The idea grew after the killing of George Hodgins, a young autistic man from California.
His mother took his life, then her own. News outlets focused more on her pain than his death. That deeply upset Zoe and others in the community.
The first vigil happened outside Sunnyvale City Hall. Friends and supporters gathered there to speak George’s name and honor his life. That small event sparked a much larger movement. Each year, on March 1, people across the world come together.
They speak the names of disabled people killed by family or caregivers. These vigils remind everyone that disabled lives matter.
Over time, the event spread. More cities joined in. Some held in-person gatherings. Others moved online. In 2014, activists built a memorial website. That space now lists hundreds of names going back to the 1980s. It keeps the memory of each person alive.
Disability Day of Mourning pushes back against stories that excuse violence. It calls out injustice with clarity and care. Most of all, it refuses to let the victims be forgotten.
Light a Candle and Read Names
Gather a small group. Invite people to speak aloud the names of those lost to violence. Hold candles as each name is read. A pause follows each one. This act honors lives through memory and respect.
Host a Moment of Silence
Set aside time for quiet reflection. Ask everyone to close their eyes and breathe deeply. No talking or distractions allowed. This space gives room for shared grief and focus.
Share Stories and Reflections
Invite speakers to tell brief personal stories or thoughts. Keep each tale short yet heartfelt. This builds empathy and connects listeners to real human experience.
Use Virtual Spaces to Gather
Offer an online vigil for folks who can’t attend in person. Choose a video or call platform that feels safe. Read names, light digital candles, or text names in chat. This opens inclusion.
Support Advocacy and Justice
Post about the vigils on social media. Link to trusted anti-filicide toolkits. Encourage others to listen and learn. Sharing trusted resources helps shift attitudes and values.