Title: Remembering Disability Rights Advocate Bob Kafka - A Life of Impactful Change
Bob Kafka, an influential disability rights advocate who dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of people with disabilities, passed away at 79 in Austin, Texas. Born in New York City and a Vietnam War veteran, Kafka's advocacy was as much about changing laws as it was changing lives.
Kafka was an organizer with ADAPT (American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today), a group that strives to bring policy change supporting people with disabilities. Mark Johnson, co-founder of ADAPT and Kafka's longtime friend who confirmed his death, told NPR that Kafka's advocacy was not just about laws but also about the lives he touched.
Since being paralyzed from a 1973 car accident, Kafka, alongside his wife Stephanie Thomas, focused on seeking dignity for those with disabilities and helping others adjust to their new lives. His presence at disability rights protests was unmistakable - sporting a halo of white curls and an unruly beard.
Johnson recalled the selfless nature of Kafka's community, including how Thomas' first instinct upon hearing about his friend's passing was to ask how he was feeling. Johnson remembered Kafka as both a policy wonk who understood federal bureaucracy and grassroots organizing. He hopes that Kafka will be honored for the impactful change he brought at all levels of society.
Bob Kafka's life and work have left an indelible mark on disability rights advocacy, inspiring many to continue fighting for justice and equality. His legacy serves as a reminder that every individual has the power to make a difference in the lives of others, no matter their circumstances or challenges they face.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/2025/12/27/g-s1-103819/disability-rights-advocate-bob-kafka-dead-at-79) #disability
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