Diane Coleman, Fierce Foe of the Right-to-Die Movement, Dies at 71

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By Grace Mitchell

Diane Coleman was a fierce advocate for disability rights, and her work has left a lasting impact on the movement. She founded the group Not Dead Yet in response to the work of Dr. Jack Kevorkian and others who advocated for assisted suicide for people with disabilities. Not Dead Yet became a powerful voice in the fight against euthanasia and assisted suicide, advocating for the rights of people with disabilities to live full and meaningful lives.

Diane Coleman’s advocacy work was deeply personal. She herself lived with a disability and understood firsthand the challenges and discrimination that people with disabilities face. She was determined to fight against the notion that people with disabilities were better off dead than living with their conditions. She believed that society needed to change its attitudes towards disability and provide support and resources to help people with disabilities live fulfilling lives.

Not Dead Yet was at the forefront of the disability rights movement, challenging the narrative that people with disabilities were a burden on society and advocating for policies that promoted inclusion and accessibility. The group’s protests and advocacy efforts were instrumental in raising awareness about the dangers of assisted suicide and the need to protect the rights of people with disabilities.

One of the key issues that Not Dead Yet focused on was the impact of assisted suicide on people with disabilities. Diane Coleman and her colleagues argued that legalizing assisted suicide would put vulnerable individuals at risk of coercion and abuse. They also pointed out that many people with disabilities faced systemic barriers to accessing quality healthcare, and that legalizing assisted suicide could further marginalize these individuals.

Not Dead Yet also challenged the notion that disability was a fate worse than death. Diane Coleman believed that society needed to recognize the value and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their abilities or limitations. She advocated for policies that promoted autonomy and self-determination for people with disabilities, and fought against the idea that their lives were not worth living.

Diane Coleman’s work with Not Dead Yet had a lasting impact on the disability rights movement. Her advocacy efforts helped to raise awareness about the discrimination and stigma faced by people with disabilities, and she inspired countless individuals to join the fight for equality and inclusion.

In addition to her work with Not Dead Yet, Diane Coleman was also a vocal critic of the healthcare system and its treatment of people with disabilities. She argued that many healthcare providers were ill-equipped to meet the needs of people with disabilities, and that systemic changes were needed to ensure that all individuals had access to quality care.

Diane Coleman’s advocacy work was recognized and celebrated by many in the disability rights community. She was a tireless champion for the rights of people with disabilities, and her legacy continues to inspire others to fight for a more inclusive and equitable society.

In conclusion, Diane Coleman was a fearless advocate for disability rights who founded the group Not Dead Yet to challenge the narrative that people with disabilities were better off dead. Her work has had a lasting impact on the disability rights movement, and she continues to be remembered as a passionate and dedicated advocate for the rights of all individuals. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of fighting for equality and inclusion for people with disabilities.

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