Howard School of Social Work Graduate Student Zibora Gilder Champions Disability Justice on The Roland Martin Show

Zibora Gilder Advocates for Disability Justice on The Roland Martin Show

A passionate advocate for disability rights, Zibora Gilder, a MSW student at Howard University’s School of Social Work and Executive Director of Empowered Hands, LLC, recently made waves on The Roland Martin Show. With over a decade of experience in disability services, her mission focuses on dismantling systemic barriers faced by Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals, particularly People of Color—a cause fueled by personal experiences, including Ms. Gilder's own brother’s challenges navigating an inaccessible world.

During the interview, the discussion spotlighted the growing threats to disability rights and how recent political movements are undermining efforts to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Specifically, Ms. Gilder addressed the alarming attempts to remove American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters from essential government spaces like the White House and emergency broadcasts.

“The rollback of DEI protections doesn’t just harm marginalized communities—it weakens the very framework that supports the enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), leaving millions more vulnerable to discrimination and exclusion,” she shared during the interview.

Looking ahead, Ms. Gilder has set her sights on pursuing a PhD in Social Work, with the goal of conducting research on disability policy and its effects on marginalized populations. Ms. Gilder's mission is clear: to inform and strengthen policies that promote accessibility, equity, and inclusion for individuals with disabilities nationwide.

Reflecting on the opportunity, Ms. Gilder expressed:

“Being featured on The Roland Martin Show is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the power of community advocacy. Disability justice is social justice, and I am grateful for the opportunity to elevate these conversations on such a significant platform.”

To watch a clip of her interview, visit- https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxxJYAyOm7FDFzjq_uJwmmUJhHqurQS3Bq?si=bDiTRglKMmRT44MO