‘Die-in’ over housing options for disabled prompts protester ejections from Philly Council session

Several people who use wheelchairs interrupted a Philadelphia City Council meeting Thursday to draw attention to what they said is a lack of housing for those with disabilities.

Some walked, others wheeled their chairs to the Council chambers in City Hall where they staged a die-in. When they refused to leave, sheriff’s deputies forcible removed them.

Protestors have die in at #phlcouncil pic.twitter.com/ay7xOSdy4p

— Tom MacDonald–WHYY (@TMacDonaldWHYY) June 7, 2018

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Herman Parodi threw himself on the floor, calling on the Council to appropriate more money.

“We are fighting for housing because it’s the biggest barrier for getting out of nursing homes and to keeping people with disabilities in the community,” he said.

Parodi said he and the other demonstrators wanted to make a point that they are serious about forcing change.

“Housing is the biggest issue, and that is why we are putting our bodies on the line to get it,” he said.

After being removed from the building without being arrested, Parodi arranged a meeting with Charles Horton of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities.