Harilyn Rousso

Harilyn Rousso, a pioneering American disability rights activist, psychotherapist, artist, and feminist, passed away on January 25, 2026, at the age of 79. Rousso dedicated her life to advocating for the rights and visibility of people with disabilities, particularly women and girls, leaving an indelible mark on the disability rights movement. Her work challenged societal perceptions and fostered greater understanding and inclusion for disabled individuals.

Born with cerebral palsy in Brooklyn, New York, on May 21, 1946, Rousso faced significant barriers from an early age. Despite discouragement from professors who doubted her ability to succeed as a psychotherapist due to her disability, she persevered, earning multiple degrees and obtaining her license. This early experience fueled her commitment to fighting for the rights of people with disabilities and became a central theme in her professional life.

Throughout her distinguished career, Rousso initiated groundbreaking projects. In the 1980s, she founded the Networking Project for Disabled Women and Girls at the New York City YWCA, a mentoring program that was widely replicated. She authored the influential book "Disabled, Female, and Proud: Stories of Ten Women with Disabilities" and served as executive producer for the award-winning documentary "Positive Images: Portraits of Women with Disabilities." Her advocacy extended internationally, as she worked with the United Nations Fourth International Conference on Women and developed "Beijing +5" trainings for disabled women.

Rousso's profound contributions were recognized with numerous accolades, including the Jessie Bernard Wise Women Award in 2000 and being designated a Women's History Month Honoree by the National Women's History Project in 2003. In 2013, she published her powerful memoir, "Don't Call Me Inspirational: A Disabled Feminist Talks Back," which challenged stereotypes and offered a candid look at her journey. She was also inducted into the Susan M. Daniels Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame in 2015.

Beyond her activism and psychotherapy practice, Harilyn Rousso was a talented artist, producing fine art since 1997 to further enhance visibility and awareness about disability. Her art, like her life, served as a testament to resilience, self-acceptance, and the power of self-expression. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to advocate for a more equitable and inclusive world.