At RCM, we promote opportunities for helping people with Intellectual Disabilities build relationships, and integrate into the community
A statement released by Project ACTION!, a local disability advocacy organization for which Mangrum served for 15 years as co-president, says he worked for more than 20 years for the D.C.-based Maurice Electric Supply company before retiring in 2002 and devoting his efforts to disability-related projects and programs.
To read more on this story, click here: Acclaimed disability rights advocate Thomas Mangrum dies at 61
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Sharing from: Joe Shapiro:
When the language officially changed and "intellectual disability" replaced "mental retardation", L. Thomas Mangrum (below, right) told me for an NPR story he sure didn't like the old language but he wasn't a fan of the new one, either. "When you talk about intellectual disabilities, that makes you sound like you're dumb, you know, to say that." I included the D.C. self-advocate in the last story of my series on the epidemic of sexual assault of people with intellectual disabilities. He started to cry. Not when talking about the assault, but about not being believed. "They think if you've got a disability, that means you lie, that you can't really tell the truth or you don't know what the truth is." I'm sad to learn of Thomas's death at age 61. Hear his powerful voice:
To read more on this story, click here: In Their Own Words: People With Intellectual Disabilities Talk About Rape
This week, we're hosting our US partners ANCOR, American Network of Community Options and Resources to share experiences, learn from one another, and explore how we can build stronger support systems for people with disabilities on both sides of the Atlantic. 🇪🇺🤝🇺🇸
Good things happen when great people come together, and this is what our work is all about.
It has been great to be part of this exchange of knowledge and experiences. Working to build a more inclusive world.
Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities
Click on "see more in picture below" to go to original Facebook post.
Thomas leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and uplift for generations to come. The impact of his work will ripple far beyond his time with us, and we are forever grateful for the light he brought into our lives and communities. He truly left the world better than he found it.
Rest in peace our dear friend 💖
• Free admission
• Resource and networking fair
• Interactive learning sessions
• Opportunities to build connections and create change
• Refreshments provided
Accessibility:
Interpretation will be available in ASL, Spanish, and Amharic. Captions will be provided in English, with AI real-time translation into Spanish and Amharic. To request accommodations, contact Carla McCaskill at carla.mccaskill@dc.gov
or call/text 202-710-3049.
Who should attend?
People with disabilities, family members, advocates, educators, service providers, policymakers, employers, DC government staff, and community leaders are all welcome.
The Summit is hosted by the Employment First Planning Committee, convened by the DC Developmental Disabilities Council (DD Council), with support from community and government partners.
We look forward to celebrating Innovation, Value, and Talent with you.
When: Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G Street NW, Washington, DC
Click HERE to register:
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