Disability Rights Movement

Disability Rights Movement

The Disability Rights Movement, which gained momentum in the 1960s and 1970s, seeks to end the marginalization and discrimination of individuals with disabilities. Spearheaded by activists such as Ed Roberts and Judith Heumann, the movement called for accessibility, equal opportunity, and the right to live independently. Major milestones include the 1973 Section 504 Sit-in, which led to the enforcement of anti-discrimination laws for disabled people, and the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, which prohibited discrimination in public life and mandated accessibility standards. The Disability Rights Movement continues to advocate for full inclusion, better healthcare access, and equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

ADA Archive | U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division

Disability History Museum : Hosts a Library of virtual artifacts, Education curricula, and Museum exhibits. These programs are designed to foster research and study about the historical experiences of people with disabilities and their communities.

Disability Awareness | The Library of Congress : This Free to Use set features people with disabilities throughout U.S. history—at work, at play, at school, and advocating for change. Note that these items were created during many different eras. Historical terminology on older collection items can include words considered offensive, but the original terminology also helps in understanding the context for the items’ creation. 

Documenting Disability in the Historical Record | Society of American Archivists : This document compiles a list—by no means complete—of entities that have played an active role in documenting disability in history. 

Early American Eugenics Movement: Topics in Chronicling America | The Library of Congress : In the early 20th century, eugenics "pseudoscientists" sought to breed the perfect human race. This guide provides access to materials related to the "Early American Eugenics Movement" in the Chronicling America digital collection of historic newspapers.

It's Our Story: Oral Historical Collection : A national initiative to make disability history public and accessible; we've collected over 1,300 video interviews from disability leaders across the country since 2005.  Now, we're making this critical aspect of American history public, accessible and interactive.

Research on The Americans with Disabilities Act | The National Archives : Records that relate to American citizens with disabilities.  From personal letters to historic legislation, these records provide insight into efforts over the past century to establish programs and to protect the rights of people with disabilities.

World War I: Injured Veterans and the Disability Rights Movement | The Library of Congress