John B. Kelly is a disability rights activist, writer and
graduate student in sociology at Brandeis University. He is the founder of Neighborhood Access
Group (NAG), which has been battling Boston city and Massachusetts state government for
improved street-level access for the last four years. He has written articles for the Boston
Globe, Ragged Edge, Counterpunch and other publications. In his more scholarly work, he has
been interested in the culture of ability and disability identity. Kelly is also a proud
member of Not Dead Yet.
Who/what contributed to your inner strength?
Inner strength is something that all humans are born with, and the question isn't so much what
contributes to it as what may get in the way of its natural expression. For example, humans
are just naturally flexible and can adjust to just about any situation as long as they are
respected and have people who care about them.
When in your life was your inner strength particularly tested and how did you deal with the incident?
My inner strength has been most tested when I have gotten isolated and thought that the way out
was through my own willpower, when the way out is usually by letting other people in. That
takes humility!
What suggestions do you have to help people realize their capabilities?
There are too many suggestions out there already and that people should trust their own thinking
more, not listen to something I might say.
What are your next goals and what positive thoughts or activities keep you striving toward your goals?
My ultimate goal has always been to increase the amount of justice in the world. Since I
became disabled 20 years ago, I have focused on improving the lot of people with disabilities.
Right now that means demanding that government obey its own access laws, and figuring out ways
to get nondisabled people to embrace the disability rights agenda as something which frees
everyone. Just check out how everyone loves curb ramps! I will also continue to write about
issues important to disabled people.
