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 Two in a three-part series where I want to highlight key moments that shaped our movement. All of the events are separated into categories. In this second installment of the series I cover the areas of Community, Voting, and Technology. Here are links to PART ONE and PART THREE.

COMMUNITY

In 1921, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) was formed. Helen Keller raised funds for the foundation. The AFB has been a crucial advocate for equality, accessibility, and empowerment within the blind community. Through various programs, resources, and initiatives, the AFB strives to break down barriers and promote independence for people with visual impairments. With a focus on education, advocacy, and public awareness, the American Federation of the Blind continues to make significant strides towards a more inclusive and accessible society for all.

Laura Hershey, writer, poet, disability activist was born in 1962. Laura was a pioneering disability rights activist who dedicated her life to advocating for the rights and empowerment of disabled individuals. Through her powerful writing, passionate speeches, and tireless activism, she fought to break down societal barriers and promote inclusivity and equality for people with disabilities. She is well known for her poem "Proud by Practicing." Laura’s activism included campaigns to remove Social Security work disincentives and to challenge the negative images of the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon.

People First, the nation's largest and first self-advocacy organization, was founded in 1974. It is dedicated to promoting the rights and voices of people with disabilities. Founded on the belief that individuals with disabilities should have self-determination and the ability to make choices that affect their lives, People First works tirelessly to empower its members to advocate for themselves and others. Through various programs and initiatives, the organization offers support, resources, and a platform for individuals with disabilities to share their experiences and insights. As a leader in the disability rights movement, People First continues to drive positive change and foster inclusivity in communities across the globe.

THE POWER BALLOT

Franklin Roosevelt was elected President of the United States in 1932, despite being physically disabled from Polio. Despite being paralyzed from the waist down due to Polio, Roosevelt's leadership and vision resonated with the American people during a time of economic turmoil and uncertainty. His disability was not a hindrance but rather a testament to his resilience and strength. Roosevelt's ability to connect with citizens through his fireside chats and his New Deal policies paved the way for a new era of hope and progress in the country. His triumph over adversity serves as a reminder that one's physical limitations do not define their ability to lead and inspire others.

Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Disabled Act was signed into law in 1984. It was a significant legislative milestone aimed at improving access to voting for individuals with disabilities and the elderly. This Act required polling places for federal elections to be accessible to people with disabilities, ensuring that everyone had the opportunity to exercise their right to vote independently and with dignity. By mandating features like ramps, accessible parking, and voting machines for individuals with visual or mobility impairments, this Act sought to eliminate barriers that had previously hindered many from participating in the electoral process.

The Help America Vote Act of 2002 included provisions to make polling places more accessible, such as providing accessible voting machines and training poll workers on accommodating voters with disabilities. In 2008, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act clarified that individuals with disabilities have the right to vote, ensuring that they are not unlawfully disenfranchised. Additionally, the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design set further guidelines for polling place accessibility. These legislative measures reflect a growing recognition of the importance of ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunity to participate in the democratic process.

TECHNOLOGY

The first wheelchair patent was registered with the United States patent office in 1869. This marked a significant milestone in the history of mobility aids. This invention allowed individuals with mobility challenges to gain greater independence and freedom of movement. The wheelchair patent paved the way for advancements in accessibility and inclusion, shaping the way society perceives disability. Interestingly, the invention of the wheelchair is credited to an unknown individual from around the 6th century. While the specific creator remains unnamed, historical evidence points to the existence of wheeled chairs used for mobility purposes during this period. Over time, the design and functionality of wheelchairs evolved, leading to the development of the modern wheelchair we recognize today.

The (American) Federal Communications Commission authorized reserving Line 21 on televisions for closed captions in 1976. Closed captioning, a technology that displays text on a screen to provide a transcription of the audio content being presented, has undergone a significant evolution since its inception. Initially developed in the 1970s to assist the deaf and hard of hearing communities, closed captioning became a legal requirement for television broadcasts in the United States with the Television Decoder Circuitry Act of 1990. Over the years, advancements in technology have improved the accuracy and speed of closed captioning, making it more accessible and inclusive. Today, closed captioning is not only a tool for individuals with hearing impairments but also benefits viewers in noisy environments or those learning a new language. Its widespread implementation across various media platforms highlights the ongoing commitment to making content more accessible to all audiences.

In 2012, a federal judge in the case of National Association of the Deaf (NAD) v. Netflix, ruled that Netflix and other online providers that serve the public are subject to the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, the first ruling in the country to recognize that Internet-based businesses are covered by the act. The plaintiff, who was deaf, (on behalf of NAD) claimed that Netflix failed to provide adequate closed captioning for its streaming content, thus discriminating against deaf and hard of hearing viewers. This case highlighted the importance of ensuring equal access to online services for individuals with disabilities. The legal battle culminated in a landmark settlement in which Netflix agreed to close caption all of its streaming content by 2014. This decision was heralded as a major victory for accessibility advocates and set a precedent for other online video streaming providers. It underscored the applicability of the ADA to online businesses, expanding the understanding of what constitutes "public accommodations" in the digital age.

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

To read Part Three of this series where I highlight key events that happened in the ares of education, healthcare, disability pride, and access & transportation, 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. :)