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National Organization on Disability

The National Organization on Disability’s Response to the Deaths in Minneapolis: Tips for People with Disabilities and Allies to Protest Safely

Perspective, Press Release

January 2026
A large outdoor memorial in winter fills a Minneapolis sidewalk and street corner, with snow-covered ground surrounded by flowers, candles, handwritten signs, and evergreen branches arranged in a circle. One sign reads “Alex Pretti,” while others call for justice and freedom. A crowd of bundled-up mourners stands quietly around the memorial, some holding signs or flowers, with brick buildings and bare trees in the background.

Beth Sirull | January 29, 2026

The National Organization on Disability mourns the unnecessary deaths of Renée Good and Alex Pretti; our hearts are with their families and loved ones, who are grieving unimaginable loss. May the memories of Alex and Renee be a blessing.

These two violent and unprovoked deaths should not have happened. Peaceful protesting is at the heart of American tradition, dating back to 1688, well before the United States was founded, when the Quakers in Germantown, Pennsylvania first protested slavery. Peaceful public protest is a consistent theme in our history, from the Boston Tea Party to anti-slavery demonstrations, suffrage marches and the battle for civil rights. For people with disabilities, it’s tied intimately to our story. In 1977, disabled Americans staged a month-long protest that successfully kicked off legislative actions enshrining disability rights under the law.

Just as in the past, today everyone has the right to safely, peacefully protest government actions. The tragic events in Minneapolis remind us that people with disabilities, particularly those with non-visible disabilities, may be especially vulnerable during interactions with law enforcement amid protests.

Often, misinterpretation, fear, and confusion lead to communication breakdowns, especially where speed and compliance are prioritized over understanding. For those with hearing, speech, sensory processing, cognition, mental health, or mobility disabilities, the consequences could be devastating.

 

Here are tips for a safe protest if you are a person with a disability:

  1. Plan ahead—even more than you think you need to
  • If possible, know the route, local area, and duration. Identify areas where crowds will likely be heavy.
  • Identify exit routes and quieter side streets in advance.
  • Check whether medics, accessibility teams, or protest marshals will be present—and how to find them.

Consider sharing your location with a trusted friend or family member and keep their phone number handy. Let them know where you are going and when you anticipate returning.

  1. Go with a buddy (or build one quickly)
  • If possible, attend with someone who understands your accessibility needs.
  • Be explicit ahead of time: “If X happens, I’ll need Y.”
  • If you arrive solo, consider briefly connecting with nearby protesters you trust and letting them know what support might help in an emergency.
  1. Bring what helps you self-regulate and communicate

Depending on your disability, this might include:

  • Medications, water, snacks.
  • Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs.
  • Sunglasses, hats, masks (also helpful for anonymity and smoke/irritants).
  • A fully charged phone and backup battery.
  • A card, note on your phone, or wearable that explains key medical needs. This can be especially important if you have a verbal disability—or if communication becomes difficult.
  1. Protect your body and your aids
  • Secure mobility devices, braces, or medical equipment as best you can.
  • For service animals: consider paw protection and make sure you have adequate hydration and treats.
  • Avoid crowd compression zones when possible (front lines, containment zones, barricades).
  • If you are interacting with law enforcement, keep movements slow and predictable.
  • Keep your hands visible and try to alert people if you are reaching for your phone or other object.
  1. Pace yourself—and leave early if needed
  • You don’t owe anyone endurance.
  • Leaving early, staying on the edges, or participating briefly is still real participation.
  • Listen to early warning signs (fatigue, sensory overload, pain, dizziness) and act on them quickly.
  1. Stay calm if you can and share your needs clearly and without apology

You are allowed to say things like:

  • “Please don’t touch my chair.”
  • “I need a bit more space.”
  • “I may need help exiting if the crowd moves fast.”

Clear communication helps others show up better for you.

  1. Know your rights—but prioritize your safety
  • Understand your legal rights around disability, protest, and police interaction—but remember that risk is not evenly distributed.
  • Make decisions based on your safety, not pressure to be brave, visible, or symbolic.

 

 

Here are tips for non-disabled people to create safe and productive interactions with disabled protesters:

  1. Treat a person with a disability like any other protester
    A disability doesn’t automatically mean someone needs help. Don’t grab, push, or “assist” without consent.
  2. Ask before helping—and ask how
    If the situation feels risky, such as a crowd surge, police movement, or loud noises, ask before you help:
    “Do you want help?” or “Is there anything you need right now?”

If they say yes, listen carefully to their instructions—they’re the expert on their body and needs.

  1. Respect mobility aids, service animals, and space
    Wheelchairs, canes, white canes, communication devices, and service animals are extensions of the person. Don’t touch or move them without permission.
  2. Share useful information
    If you have relevant info, like escape routes, quieter areas, medics nearby, changes in police posture, offer it calmly. Information can be as valuable as physical help.
  3. Be mindful of sensory and communication needs
    Protests can be overwhelming. Some people may need:
  • Clear, direct language
  • Extra time to respond
  • Reduced noise or physical proximity

If someone communicates differently, meet them where they are.  For example, use your phone to type messages to people who cannot hear.

  1. In an emergency, prioritize consent, but safety first.
    If there’s immediate danger and someone can’t respond, do what’s necessary to prevent serious harm, then explain what you’re doing as soon as you can.
  2. Don’t make a person with a disability a symbol.
    Avoid taking photos, speaking for us or showcasing us as an inspiration without explicit permission.

With these tips in mind, we encourage protesters and law enforcement to facilitate safe, peaceful demonstrations, the quintessential symbol of America.