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Legal protection and advocacy.

The mural depicts important progress in the disability rights movement as we dedicate our work to ensure the disability community has equal access in all aspects of their lives. The mural showcases disability rights activists such as Barbara Johnson, Judy Heumann, and other participants of the 504 Sit-in. The mural also highlights different aspects of advancements for accessibility ranging from Braille books to assistive technology. Additionally, the mural includes a parent communicating with their child through American Sign Language, a disabled veteran, and picket signs representative of numerous demonstrations for disability rights. These signs demonstrate progress for the disability community, while simultaneously symbolizing the advocacy that is still needed from groups, like DRI, to achieve full access, equality, and representation in society.

Board of Directors

Disability Rights Iowa has a knowledgeable Board of Directors which, in conjunction with the Mental Health Advisory Council, determines our priorities each year. This board establishes goals for our organization and reviews our policies, budgets, and plans, to keep us on track with those goals. Our board members are all part of the disability community and reflect the diversity of our community’s needs.

Meet Our Board Leadership

Seth Talbot, Jefferson County

President

Claire Padgett, Polk County

Vice President

Beth Rydberg, Polk County

Secretary and Treasurer

Meet Our Board Members

  • Nick Malcom, Polk County
  • Claire Padgett, Polk County
  • Wendy Andersen, Pottawattamie County
  • Morgan Ryan, Polk County
  • Christian Fasselius, Dallas County
  • Christie Cellman, Johnson County
  • Candace Honeycutt, Polk County
  • Crystal Fierro-Galbraith, Polk County
  • Jennifer Upah, Linn County
  • Laura Gibson, Polk County
  • Marissa Hirschman, Polk County
  • Pat Mullenbach, Polk County

Want to get involved?

Apply to become a member of Disability Rights Iowa’s Board of Directors. Board meets 4 times per year