In Memoriam: Diane Coleman
NCIL mourns the loss of Diane Coleman, a visionary leader and beloved member of our disability rights community. Diane was a fierce advocate whose influence reached far and wide, from her early involvement with ADAPT in the 1980s to her tireless work with the Progress Center for Independent Living and her founding of Not Dead Yet. She was also a dedicated member of our Healthcare Subcommittee, where her insights and passion for justice strengthened our work.
Diane’s leadership and advocacy have been pivotal in challenging the use of Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) in hospitals – a practice that assigns a value to life. Her efforts have also shaped the disability community’s opposition to assisted suicide and euthanasia, laying a foundation that will continue to support and guide advocates for generations to come.
Diane’s advocacy was rooted in her love and respect for those around her. She valued empowering others, especially young advocates, and believed deeply in collective action. While she managed, taught, and organized with skill, the strength and authenticity of those she cared about mattered most to her. Through her enduring friendships and commitment to community, Diane built a network of support and activism that has strengthened the fight for dignity and justice for all.
Her legacy is not only in her accomplishments, but in the resilience, empowerment, and advocacy that she instilled in the community. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and the countless people whose lives she impacted.
In solidarity and remembrance,
National Council on Independent Living
More information:
Additional Info Website: