The National Council on Independent Living mourns the passing of Bob Kafka, a powerful advocate and movement leader whose life and work helped shape the fight for independent living, disability justice, and community inclusion. Bob believed deeply that disabled people belong in their homes, their communities, and at decision-making tables. His advocacy was grounded in action, persistence, and a clear understanding that rights are never simply granted; they are demanded, defended, and protected over time. His work reflected the core values of the Independent Living movement: dignity, access, self-determination, and collective power. Bob’s leadership was widely recognized, including his receipt of NCIL’s Max Starkloff Lifetime Achievement Award, one of the movement’s highest honors. He joins a distinguished group of recipients who have fundamentally shaped disability rights, including Lex Frieden, Stephanie Thomas, and the ADAPT community. This recognition was not symbolic, it reflected Bob’s real and lasting impact on policy, people, and the direction of our movement. Beyond titles or awards, Bob was someone who showed up. He spoke plainly, pushed hard when it mattered, and stayed engaged even when the work was uncomfortable or exhausting. Our movement is stronger because of leaders like Bob who refused to settle for partial inclusion or temporary wins. As NCIL Executive Director Theo W. Braddy shared: “With the recent loss of other prominent disabled leaders and voices in our movement, Bob’s passing leaves another giant void, one felt deeply not only within the disability community, but across society as a whole. Leaders like Bob remind us how much progress has been driven by disabled leaders who refused to be silent and who demanded better, not just for themselves, but for generations to come. His absence will be felt, and his legacy will continue to guide us.” We extend our deepest condolences to Bob’s family, friends, colleagues, and the many advocates who learned from him, worked beside him, and were inspired by his leadership. NCIL honors Bob Kafka’s legacy and recommits itself to carrying forward the work he believed in so fiercely. His voice will be missed. His impact will not be forgotten.
Last modified: December 30, 2025
