The evolution of treatment and perceptions surrounding disability since the 1900s has been significantly shaped by the activism of individuals with disabilities. Mirroring other civil rights movements, the disability rights movement boasts a rich history, with activism traceable to the 1800s across various disability groups. Landmark legislation like the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its 2008 amendments represent significant legal victories for the movement, prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities in numerous public life aspects. The ongoing pursuit of equal rights remains a central focus of the disability rights movement.
Organizations advocating for the rights of people with disabilities experienced a surge in the 1900s. The League of the Physically Handicapped emerged during the Great Depression, advocating for employment rights. In the 1940s, We Are Not Alone, formed by psychiatric patients, facilitated the transition from hospitals to community living. The 1950s saw the formation of the National Association for Retarded Children (NARC), comprised largely of parents advocating for alternative care and education for their children. Presidential leadership also contributed to advancements in disability assistance, with President Truman establishing the National Institute of Mental Health in 1948 and President Kennedy initiating committees focused on disability treatment and research between 1960 and 1963.
The US Congress has enacted numerous laws advancing disability rights, both directly and through the enforcement of civil rights. Landmark cases like Brown v. Board of Education, which declared school segregation unconstitutional, paved the way for recognizing disability rights. The 1973 Rehabilitation Act, particularly sections 501, 503, 504, and 508, holds significant importance for the disability rights movement. These sections address employment discrimination, affirmative action, accessibility to programs and activities, and equal access to technological information for individuals with disabilities.
The delayed implementation of Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act led to nationwide protests in 1977. The American Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities (ACCD) demanded the enactment of the regulations by April 5, 1977, leading to sit-ins at federal offices across the country when the deadline was not met. The San Francisco sit-in at the Federal Building lasted until April 28, culminating in the signing of the unchanged regulations. This event marked a pivotal moment in the recognition of disability as a civil rights issue.
The 1975 Education for All Handicapped Children Act guaranteed public education for children with disabilities. These legislative achievements are largely attributed to the tireless efforts of disability activists and their collaboration with the federal government. Over 50 pieces of legislation were passed between the 1960s and the enactment of the ADA in 1990. Self-advocacy groups like DREDF, ADAPT (Americans Disabled for Accessible Public Transportation, now Americans Disabled Attendant Programs Today), and the CIL (Center for Independent Living) have significantly influenced the national discourse on disability.
The CIL, originating in the early 1960s at Cowell Memorial Hospital in California, provides community-based services for individuals with disabilities. Cowell Memorial Hospital, once listed on the National Register of Historic Places, played a crucial role in supporting the “Rolling Quads” and the “Disabled Students Program” at the University of California, Berkeley. Students Ed Roberts and John Hessler, founders of both organizations, faced housing challenges due to their physical disabilities. Their advocacy, along with that of counselor Jean Wirth, led to increased accessibility at UC Berkeley and influenced architectural planning. This marked the beginning of the independent living movement, emphasizing self-determination for individuals with disabilities in all aspects of life.
The Disabled Students Program at UC Berkeley, while not the first of its kind, was groundbreaking in its promotion of inclusivity on campus. This program inspired the creation of similar organizations in universities nationwide, many of which remain active today.
