Introduction
Advocacy is powerful. Disabled people who speak up for their rights create change, open doors for others, and challenge ableism every day. But what often goes unrecognized is the emotional toll that comes with this constant fight. Advocacy is not just about raising your voice—it’s about carrying the weight of explaining, educating, and defending your existence in a society that often refuses to listen.
This article explores the hidden emotional labor behind disability advocacy, why it matters, and how we can create systems that support advocates instead of draining them.