It's Our Story

The It’s Our Story repository and its contents are testaments to America’s most fundamental values of freedom, autonomy, and independence.

It’s Our Story is a mixed-media digital history archive that houses a comprehensive collection of video, photos and documents regarding life with disability in America. The national initiative that has developed from the archive has united hundreds of grassroots advocates, scholars, educators and civic leaders from nearly every state in the United States. It’s Our Story began as a father-son media

project centering on the late Ed Roberts—a man often referred to as the “father of disability rights.” The project allowed both Scott Cooper and his son Eric Clow to come to terms with their own disabilities and, in the process, transformed their view of others with disabilities.

“In time, this humble high school history day project developed into the most comprehensive disability video oral history project in the United States.”

During the past nine years, Scott Cooper has driven over 160,000 miles, collecting the personal testimonies of people from over 200 locations. Since its inception in 2005, It’s Our Story has interviewed 1,300 people across America from the disability community and has received 20,000 hours of volunteer support. Advancing Towards Equality

“Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.” ~ Helen Keller

It’s Our Story opens a doorway through which members of the disability community can access history like never before. We envision an online archive that offers a fully accessible and public database that includes thousands of critical video interviews, photos, and documents to preserve our past as we plan our future. We anticipate the 20,000 informational clips featured in IOS Archives to impact and inspire areas including:

Leadership

People from all backgrounds will recognize aspects of themselves in these video histories, stories, and lessons. Such a sense of identification may prompt many viewers to pursue leadership roles in their own communities. Employment

People with and without disabilities will develop the 21st Century Workforce Skills by assembling projects for implementation in education, outreach, and social media. This influx of new media will, in turn, create new opportunities in media and communications accessibility for all. Attitudes

The general public will come to understand that those of us with disabilities share the same dreams, hopes, fears that connect all participants to the human experience. Viewers and interview subjects of the It’s Our Story project are united by a desire for a meaningful and productive life. Society

Policymakers will acquire knowledge that may measurably improve the lives of people with disabilities. Additionally, such leaders may be more inspired to partner with people with disabilities when crafting and developing programs that impact the disability community. Education

Researchers, students, teachers, and trainers will use the archive for educational projects, training, and curriculum that call upon a need for primary source content related to disability history and social issues. Profile of Archives

The It’s Our Story archives burst with insights from members of national disability organizations, federal agencies, and nationally recognized academic institutions, as well as with regional perspectives from state governors’ councils on disability, mayors’ offices on disability, and local affiliates of national organizations. These voices are supplemented by information from a vast array of local grass-root organizations, as well as from laypeople with first-hand disability experience. Over 300 questions, generated by members of the disability community, were asked of It’s Our Story interview subjects in an effort to explore categories such as:

Family and Friends
Medical and Social Attitudes
Employment and Investment
Education and Engagement
Advocacy and Political Strategies
Transitions and Aging
Cultural Perspectives and the Arts
Access and Transportation
Relationships and Intimacy
Disability Characteristics

A Focus on the Future

The next generation of leaders stands to accelerate the progress made by earlier champions of the disability movement. In partnership with A World Enabled—a non-profit dedicated to educating, informing and inspiring youth—the It’s Our Story project looks to embolden and enable leadership and shape the future of disability life. This effort would not have been possible without the efforts of thousands of supporters. It’s Our Story would like to extend its deepest thanks to those who have made this journey possible so far.

The CIL: Renewing Trust Through Inclusion (EN_HQ)

05/10/2024

For Immediate Release
https://vimeo.com/944557228

Center for Independent Living Welcomes Dr. Victor Santiago Pineda as New Executive Director Amid Crucial Times for Disability Rights

Berkeley, CA – May 8, 2024 – As the 2024 elections approach, the stakes have never been higher for the 61 million adults in the United States living with a disability. At this pivotal moment, the Center for Independent Living (CIL), a cornerstone of the disability rights movement since 1972, proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Victor Santiago Pineda as its new Executive Director. Dr. Pineda, a renowned global advocate and scholar, is set to lead CIL into a future where the hard-won victories for disability rights face both opportunities and challenges.

With threats looming over essential accessibility gains and civil rights, Dr. Pineda’s leadership is timely. His extensive experience in shaping key disability rights initiatives, including roles under former President Barack Obama and significant contributions to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, positions him uniquely to safeguard and advance these freedoms.

Joshua Halstead, Chair of the Board of CIL, shares his enthusiasm: "With Dr. Pineda at the helm, CIL is poised to tackle today's most pressing issues—protecting vital benefits, ensuring access and accommodation, and innovating community-based emergency preparedness. His visionary leadership is exactly what we need to steer us through these challenging times."

Joan Leon, an influential disability rights activist, echoed this sentiment, stating, "Victor has always been a trailblazer in our community. His leadership at CIL is crucial as we strive to amplify the voices of people with disabilities during this highly consequential election cycle and beyond."

Dr. Pineda’s strategy includes invigorating CIL’s mission with new vigor aimed at enhancing quality of life for persons with disabilities and addressing the growing needs of older adults transitioning into disability. His approach marries historical advocacy with cutting-edge strategies to foster deep community ties and build strategic partnerships across sectors.

Under Dr. Pineda’s guidance, CIL will host a series of town halls to sculpt a future where disability rights are synonymous with human rights, ensuring independence is within everyone's reach. Initiatives under his leadership will focus on harnessing emerging technologies and creating integrative solutions for mobility, housing, and employment, thus reinforcing CIL’s legacy as a vanguard of policy and research on a national and international stage.

Join us as we embark on this transformative journey with Dr. Pineda, reinforcing our commitment to a society where every individual is empowered and every voice is heard.

For more insights into Dr. Pineda’s vision and upcoming CIL initiatives, or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Nagisa Smalheiser
Media & Communications Manager
Center for Independent Living
Email: [email protected]

The CIL: Renewing Trust Through Inclusion (EN_HQ) Dr. Pineda is uniquely positioned to steer CIL toward a future where every individual is empowered, and every voice is heard. Dr. Pineda's vision integrates…

Center for Independent Living Welcomes Dr. Victor Santiago Pineda as New Executive Director Amid Crucial Times for Disability Rights

05/09/2024

I’m happy to share that I’ve accepted an appointment as the Executive Director at Center for Independent Living, Inc.! I aim to strengthen the voice and impact of the disability community through collaborative leadership, strategic partnerships, and a deep commitment to our cause.

I look forward to making CIL a beacon of hope and a source of practical solutions for independence and equality. Leading the CIL marks a significant new chapter in my journey—an opportunity to blend my experiences with an enduring mission of empowerment and inclusion.

Reach out and join me as we go on this path together, with open hearts and a shared vision for a future where disability rights are human rights, and independence is accessible to all. Thank you for your warm welcome and support—it means the world to me.

https://thecil.org/press-release/center-for-independent-living-welcomes-dr-victor-santiago-pineda-as-new-executive-director-amid-crucial-times-for-disability-rights/

Center for Independent Living - Berkeley

I want to also thank all my staff at World Enabled for their incredible service. I look forward to new partnerships and leveraging my networks and relationships with UC Berkeley UC Berkeley College of Environmental Design Haas School of Business - UC Berkeley International House, UC Berkeley Ed Roberts Campus Hispanics in Philanthropy Ford Foundation Othering & Belonging Institute and many others.
UC Berkeley College of Environmental Design

Center for Independent Living Welcomes Dr. Victor Santiago Pineda as New Executive Director Amid Crucial Times for Disability Rights Berkeley, CA – May 8, 2024 – As the 2024 elections approach, the stakes have never been higher for the 61 million adults in the United States living with a disability. At this pivotal moment, the Center for Independent Living (CIL), a cornerstone of the disability rights movement since 1972,…

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