Zona Roberts, grandmother of disability rights movement, is dead at 105

Zona Roberts (1920-2025), a pioneer in the disability rights movement and mother of Ed Roberts, the father of independent living, passed away peacefully in her Berkeley home surrounded by loved ones on Friday, Jan. 10. 

Zona was a dedicated mother of four sons. After her eldest, 14-year-old Ed Roberts contracted polio in 1953 and came home as a quadriplegic, she fought fearlessly for him to have the rights and opportunities that he deserved. She battled educational, medical and social bureaucracies and prejudices, enlisted the whole family in Ed’s care and through it all taught Ed how to fight for himself. As Ed matured into a disability activist, Zona worked with him and beside him to establish support for the disabled both at the University of California and in the community. Zona, herself, became a fierce advocate and unwavering supporter of inclusion and accessibility.

At the age of 44, she enrolled at UC Berkeley, received her bachelor’s degree in 1969 and her teaching credential in 1970. During these years, her Berkeley home, the “Green House,” became the place for disabled students and their attendants, for teachers, doctors, writers, therapists and the many visitors studying the growing community of disability activists. Through these gatherings, she not only cultivated one of the earliest models of independent living, she provided a place where activists met, talked, ate together, supported and learned from each other. Zona’s warmth, resilience, and passion for justice inspired countless individuals, some of whom transformed laws and charted a path towards greater opportunities and freedoms for persons with disabilities. 

Known as the “grandmother of the independent living movement,” Zona’s legacy is one of compassion, determination and transformative impact. Her contributions will continue to resonate in the fight for equity and dignity for all. Her enduring love for humanity, coupled with her tenacity, wit and belief in first her son’s potential along with the potential of many other disabled persons laid the foundation for what became the independent living movement, transforming lives and communities across the country and around the world. 

She is survived by her son, Mark Roberts; her grandchildren, Benjamin, Gavin, Ginger, Hana, Jon, and Lee; and five great-grandchildren (and one on the way). She was predeceased by her beloved sons, Ed, Ron, and Randy. She also leaves behind an endless number of friends who will miss her warm and welcoming smile.

A committee will be put together to plan a memorial in her honor. Details will be shared as plans are finalized.