HolLynn D'Lil
HolLynn D'Lil (née Bryson) was a significant figure in the American disability rights movement, best known for her role in the historic 1977 “504 Sit-In” photographing and participating in the historic protest demanding the enforcement of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibited discrimination against people with disabilities in federally funded programs in San Francisco.[1][2][3] D’Lil was a passionate advocate, writer, and photographer whose work played a critical role in the disability rights movement in the United States.[4][3] After a car accident left her paralyzed at the age of 22, D’Lil did not retreat from public life. Instead, she embraced activism and became a powerful voice for people with disabilities.[5]
Early Life
[edit]HolLynn D’Lil (née Bryson) was born in Nuecestown and raised in Corpus Christi , Texas. She attended Burgess High School she graduated in 1963.[5] She enrolled at Texas A&M University. Following her studies, she began her career as a teacher at local private school in Alamo, Texas. At the age of 22 she was involved in a car accident that resulted in permanent paralysis.[6]
Career
[edit]This life altering event became a turning point, shaping both her personal journey and her future advocacy.[5][6] Rather than retreating from public life, D’Lil channeled her experience into activism, eventually becoming a nationally recognized leader in the disability rights movement.[7] Her work ranging from public service and writing to photography and consulting would go on to make a lasting impact on accessibility, policy, and the lives of people with disabilities across the country.[4][6]
She worked intermittently for the State of California as an accessibility consultant.[6] During intervals between public service roles, she operated a clothing design business that specialized in garments for individuals who use wheelchairs. At one point, after securing a significant number of orders through a partnership with the Everest & Jennings Wheelchair Company, she was informed that the company had opted to sell its clothing subsidiary
In 2004, D’Lil moved to Graton, a small town located roughly 60 miles north of San Francisco. [8]She officially retired in 2008, although she continued to be active in public life. She remained involved in several nonprofit organizations in leadership capacities and expressed her intent to seek election to the board of directors of the local sewer district. [9][8] She was featured in the Netflix documentary Crip Camp. Several of the photographs featured in the documentary were taken by D’Lil.[1]
Personal life
[edit]D'Lil had two children and, after she divorced, relocated to Sacramento, California.[1] Balancing life as a single mother with a disability, D’Lil worked intermittently for the State of California as an accessibility consultant.[6] During gaps in public employment, she launched a clothing design business tailored for individuals who use wheelchairs. Despite facing significant personal and medical challenges including a second divorce and a cancer diagnosis—she returned to work and later transitioned into private consulting, allowing her greater flexibility in managing her health.
Death
[edit]HolLynn D’Lil passed away on June 24, 2022 at the age of 77. The news of her death was shared in a tribute published by The Sonoma County Gazette, where she was fondly remembered for her extensive contributions to the Graton community as an advocate, nonprofit leader, and columnist.[8]
Bibliography
[edit]D’Lil, HolLynn. Becoming Real in 24 Days: One Participant's Story of the 1977 Section 504 Demonstration for Disability Rights. Large print ed., Hallavaland Productions
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Documentary 'Crip Camp' features activist and photographer HolLynn D'Lil". Sonoma County Gazette. 2020-03-01. Retrieved 2025-06-21.
- ^ Carmel, Julia (2020-07-22). "Before the A.D.A., There Was Section 504". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2025-06-21.
- ^ a b "Disability Rights activist HolLynn D'Lil on her experience as a 1977 Section 504 Occupation photographer and protestor - Paul K. Longmore Institute on Disability Collection". diva.sfsu.edu. Retrieved 2025-06-21.
- ^ a b Melink, Peg (2015-07-24). "Graton activist recalls historic fight for the disabled". The Press Democrat. Retrieved 2025-06-21.
- ^ a b c "HolLynn D'Lil - Sonoma County Library Digital Collections -- Colecciones Digitales de la Biblioteca del Condado de Sonoma". digital.sonomalibrary.org. Retrieved 2025-06-21.
- ^ a b c d e Horn, Yvonne Michie (2012-10-02). "Graton garden an accessible work of art". SFGATE. Archived from the original on 2021-02-26. Retrieved 2025-06-21.
- ^ Byzek, Josie (2018-06-01). "Healing Through Activism, Memoir Writing". New Mobility. Retrieved 2025-06-21.
- ^ a b c BROWN, LYNDI (2022-07-21). "Remembering HolLynn D'Lil". Sonoma County Gazette. Retrieved 2025-06-21.
- ^ MINICHIELLO, SUSAN (2019-06-03). "'It's a long time coming': Graton finally gets a park". The Press Democrat. Retrieved 2025-06-21.