When I got involved with the disability rights movement, I started to learn about events in our disability history. From legislative changes, landmark court cases, and grassroots advocacy efforts, each milestone has contributed to the evolution of rights for disabled people.

This blog post is Part Three in a three-part series where I want to highlight key moments that shaped our movement. All of the events are separated into categories. This post concludes this series and covers the areas of Education, Healthcare, Disability Pride, and Access & Technology. Here are links to PART ONE and PART TWO.

EDUCATION

In 1817, The American School for the Deaf was founded in Hartford, Connecticut. This was the first school for children with disabilities anywhere in the western hemisphere. This historic institution has played a crucial role in the education and empowerment of deaf and hard of hearing individuals for over two centuries. As a pioneer in deaf education, the school has continually adapted its curriculum and teaching methods to meet the evolving needs of its students. Through a combination of sign language, speech therapy, and academic programs, the American School of the Deaf remains committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment where deaf students can thrive and reach their full potential.

On April 26, 2024, UC Berkeley made a landmark decision by admitting Ed Roberts, a pioneer in the disability rights movement. Roberts, who himself had a disability, faced significant barriers throughout his academic journey, making his acceptance into UC Berkeley a historic moment. This decision not only symbolizes progress towards inclusivity in higher education but also serves as a nod to Roberts' unwavering commitment to advocating for equal rights for individuals with disabilities. Roberts went on to become a leader and educator in the disability rights movement.

In the 1972 landmark court case Mills v. Board of Education the U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia ruled that every child, regardless of the type and severity of their disability, was entitled to a free public education. The court ruled in favor of seven students with disabilities who were not receiving appropriate educational services. This significant legal victory established that children with disabilities have a right to a free, appropriate public education. The court's decision laid the foundation for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and reshaped special education practices nationwide, ensuring that all students, regardless of ability, have access to the education and support they need to thrive.

The California Fair Accurate Inclusive and Respectful (FAIR) Education Act, passed in 2011, aimed to ensure that the contributions and struggles of marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals and those with disabilities, were included in school curricula. This landmark legislation mandated that school instruction and materials accurately reflect the diversity of the state's population, promoting understanding and inclusivity. By highlighting the histories and experiences of often marginalized groups, the FAIR Act sought to create a more accepting and knowledgeable generation of students. Its passage marked a significant step towards more comprehensive and equitable education for all Californians.

HEALTHCARE

In 1989, the Committee of Ten Thousand (COTT) was founded to advocate for Americans with hemophilia who were infected with HIV/AIDS through tainted blood products. COTT is a grass-roots, peer-led, education, advocacy and support organization for persons with blood disorders. Comprised of individuals with disabilities, allies, and advocates, the committee has successfully lobbied for legislative changes, raised awareness about disability issues, and worked to improve the inclusion of disabled individuals in society.

The Passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010 made several provisions that greatly benefited people with disabilities. It prohibited insurance companies from denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions, which was a significant change for many disabled individuals who were previously denied coverage or charged exorbitant rates due to their health conditions. Additionally, the ACA expanded Medicaid in many states, providing greater access to healthcare for low-income individuals with disabilities. It also required health plans to cover a list of essential health benefits, including rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices, which are crucial for many people with disabilities.

The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 requires insurance plans that offer coverage for mental health or substance use disorders to provide those benefits at levels that are no more restrictive than the benefits offered for medical/surgical care. This law was a crucial step forward in reducing the discrimination in health coverage faced by individuals with mental health and addiction issues, allowing for better and more equitable access to necessary treatments and supporting broader health and well-being for those with these disabilities.

The Expansion of Telehealth Services. Although not a single legislative act, the expansion of telehealth services, particularly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has been a significant milestone for disabled people. Telehealth allows individuals who have mobility or transportation challenges to access healthcare services from their homes. Policies have been adapted to facilitate greater use of telehealth, including loosening of cross-state licensure restrictions for providers and expansion of services covered by Medicare and other insurers. This shift has made healthcare more accessible for many disabled individuals, enabling consistent and convenient care.

DISABILITY PRIDE

In 2000, The Spirit of Americans with Disabilities Act Torch Relay began its 24-city journey to celebrate the ADA's 10 year anniversary. The Spirit of Americans Act Torch Relay is a symbolic event that unites communities across the nation in a celebration of inclusivity and diversity. This annual relay embodies the essence of unity as individuals from all walks of life come together to carry the torch of equality and acceptance. Participants, both disabled and non-disabled, pass the torch from one hand to another, symbolizing the idea that we are all interconnected in the progress towards a more inclusive society.

The first Disability Pride Parade in the United States was held in Chicago on Sunday, July 18, 2004. This event marked a significant milestone for the disability rights movement. The parade served as a powerful platform for individuals with disabilities to celebrate their identities and advocate for equal rights and inclusion. Participants from diverse backgrounds came together to march through the streets, showcasing solidarity and resilience. This event played a crucial role in raising awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities and promoting a message of acceptance and empowerment. This first parade in Chicago laid the foundation for future celebrations worldwide, emphasizing the importance of embracing and honoring all individuals, regardless of ability.

Annual Disability Pride Parades are organized in cities in the United States. Every year, various cities across the United States, including New York City, Chicago, and Philadelphia, have hosted annual Disability Pride Parades. These events typically occur in July to coincide with the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). They serve as celebrations of the disability community, promoting visibility, acceptance, and pride in disability identity.

The 25th and 30th Anniversaries of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In 2015 and 2020, the anniversaries of the ADA were celebrated across the nation. These milestones were marked by events, virtual gatherings, and discussions that not only celebrated the progress made since the ADA's passage in 1990 but also addressed ongoing challenges and the future of disability rights. These anniversaries helped to raise awareness about the rights of disabled individuals and reaffirmed a commitment to full accessibility and inclusion.

The ReelAbilities Film Festival was founded in 2007, ReelAbilities is the largest film festival in the United States dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories, and artistic expressions of people with different disabilities. Held annually in multiple cities across the country, the festival showcases films by and about people with disabilities, creating a platform for dialogue and fostering a better understanding of disability issues.

The Disability Equality Index was launched in 2015. The Index is a joint initiative of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and Disability: IN, a nonprofit organization that advises businesses on how to achieve disability inclusion and equality. The Index is a national, transparent benchmarking tool that offers businesses an opportunity to report on their disability inclusion policies and practices. Celebrating companies that participate and achieve high scores each year not only recognizes corporate efforts in disability inclusion but also promotes and guides further improvements in the business world.

Special Olympics USA Games are held every four years. The Special Olympics USA Games are a significant event that celebrates athletes with intellectual disabilities. These games not only provide an opportunity for athletes to demonstrate their skills and achievements but also serve as a major platform for promoting the capabilities and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in sports and the wider community.

ACCESS AND TRANSPORTATION

South Carolina passed the first statewide architectural access code in America in 1963. This significant legislative milestone set a precedent for the entire nation, underscoring the importance of accessibility in public buildings and facilities for individuals with disabilities. At a time when the broader civil rights movement was gaining momentum, South Carolina's initiative marked a crucial step forward in the fight for equality and inclusion for people with disabilities. Officially known as the "South Carolina Barrier-Free Design Standard," the code aimed to eliminate physical barriers in public buildings that prevented individuals with disabilities from accessing services and participating fully in society. Prior to this legislation, most public buildings and spaces were designed without considering the needs of people who had mobility, visual, or hearing impairments. This oversight resulted in significant exclusion and inconvenience for individuals with disabilities, limiting their ability to work, engage with their communities, and access government services. South Carolina's legislation was profound and far-reaching. It served as a model for other states, many of which began to consider and subsequently adopt similar accessibility standards in the years following. Moreover, the South Carolina code helped lay the groundwork for national legislation, most notably the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. The ADA established comprehensive accessibility standards for all public buildings and facilities across the United States, ensuring that the civil rights of people with disabilities are uniformly protected.

In 1968, the California legislature guaranteed that the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) would be the first rapid transit system in the U.S. to accommodate wheelchair users. As BART was still under construction and slated to open in the early 1970s, this legislative guarantee meant incorporating accessibility features directly into the design and infrastructure from the outset, rather than retrofitting them later. The commitment to accessibility was driven by advocacy from disability rights groups who emphasized the importance of public transit systems being accessible to all, including those with mobility impairments. Key features of BART's accessibility included wheelchair-accessible trains, which had open spaces designated for wheelchairs, and stations equipped with elevators and ramps. Additionally, platform edges were designed to be detectable by cane for visually impaired passengers, and public address systems were installed to assist those with hearing impairments.

In 1973, Washington, D.C. introduced disabled parking stickers, a significant step forward in enhancing mobility and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. This initiative was part of broader efforts across the United States to provide better public accommodations for disabled citizens, reflecting the growing disability rights movement that sought equal access to public spaces and facilities. The introduction of disabled parking stickers allowed individuals with disabilities to park in designated spaces that were closer to building entrances and equipped to accommodate vehicles with lifts and ramps. These spaces were typically wider than standard parking spots, providing necessary room for maneuvering wheelchairs and other mobility devices. The stickers, which had to be visibly displayed on the vehicle, served as a permit to use these spaces, helping to ensure that they were available exclusively to those with a legitimate need. This legislative act was an early precursor to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which would later mandate accessible parking as a standard feature in public and commercial facilities nationwide.

In the 2005 court case, Spector v. Norwegian Cruise Line Ltd., the U.S. Supreme Court held that Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act applied to foreign-flagged cruise ships in U.S. waters. The Court’s decision had significant implications for disabled travelers, particularly regarding the accessibility of foreign-flagged cruise ships operating in U.S. waters. The enforcement of its implementation was, however, somewhat lacking. It held that while the ADA did indeed apply to foreign-flagged cruise ships in U.S. waters, the extent of required modifications was limited. The Court decided that cruise lines were required to provide those accommodations that did not involve substantial alterations to the ship or represent an undue burden. This meant that while significant accessibility improvements were mandatory, the cruise lines were not obligated to undertake changes that would fundamentally alter the ship's structure.

The Air Carrier Access Act is signed into law in 1986. It marked a pivotal moment in ensuring that people with disabilities received equal rights in air travel. Prior to the ACAA, individuals with disabilities often faced significant discrimination and barriers when attempting to travel by air, including being denied boarding, charged extra fees, or subjected to inadequate facilities. The ACAA prohibited commercial airlines from discriminating against passengers based on their disability. The legislation mandated that airlines must provide reasonable accommodation and ensure that their services were accessible to all passengers, regardless of physical or mental impairments. This included requirements such as providing assistance with boarding, deplaning, and making connections. Airlines were also required to accommodate service animals and ensure accessible in-flight services, such as communication for passengers who are hearing or visually impaired. One of the significant impacts of the ACAA was the requirement for airports to be accessible. This meant modifications such as wheelchair-accessible shuttles, lowered ticket counters, and accessible restrooms. These changes facilitated smoother and more dignified travel experiences for individuals with disabilities, promoting greater independence and the freedom to travel.

This concludes my three part series on milestone moments in disability history.

To read Part One of this series where I highlight key events that happened in the areas of integration, coalition building, and employment, click HERE.

To read Part Two of this series where I highlight key events that happened in the ares of community, voting, and technology, click HERE.

Think I forgot a key milestone? Or feel like you learned something you didn’t know? Please leave a comment below. We can keep the conversation going. :)