The Partnership mourns yet another disability rights legend, strategist, and mentor to many, Bob Kafka, who has passed away at 79.

Bob was a key leader of ADAPT, a founder of AAPD’s REV UP campaign, and active in countless other disability rights organizations. He worked tirelessly as a community organizer, policy analyst, and strategist for the disability rights movement. For over 40 years, he championed disability rights laws, including the ADA, and programs to keep people with disabilities in the community and out of institutions, such as Money Follows the Person. Bob helped pave the way for disabled people to be free and to live with dignity.

Bob helped illustrate that disabled people can have fulfilling lives, rooted in choice, in the community. We just have to demand it - sometimes with a bullhorn. His mantra guides us now more than ever: “Don’t mourn, organize.”

We extend our deepest condolences to his wife and co-conspirator, Stephanie Thomas.

Additional links to read more about Bob's legacy:

• Bob’s obituary
• “Disability rights advocate Bob Kafka dead at 79” (NPR
• NCIL Statement on the Passing of Bob Kafka 
• ‘“Don’t Mourn, Organize” – AAPD Remembers Bob Kafka’