Accessibility features are visible and encountered in public every day, whether it is a wheelchair ramp, closed captions on a video, an accessible website, or extra support at school. However, these features did not simply appear on their own. They are connected to decades of advocacy by people with disabilities who pushed for equal access, independence, and the right to participate fully in their communities.
Throughout disability history, activists worked to change laws, attitudes, and public spaces. One major milestone was the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, in 1990. The ADA helped protect people with disabilities from discrimination in areas such as employment, transportation, public services, and businesses. Other laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, helped strengthen the rights of students with disabilities to receive an appropriate education and necessary supports.
PBS' LearningMedia webpage, "The Roots of the Disability Rights Movement" explores the history of disability rights in the United States and the efforts of people with disabilities to gain equal opportunities, independence, and respect. For many years, those with disabilities faced discrimination, and barriers to participating in everyday activities. Inspired in part by other civil rights movements, disability advocates began organizing, speaking out, and challenging unfair treatment.
You can view the page, and watch the attached video here:
https://ny.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/amex37cnc-soc-roots/the-roots-of-the-disability-rights-movement-american-experience/
Disability History: An Overview
The impact of this history can still be seen today. Curb cuts make sidewalks easier to navigate, captions make videos more accessible, and accommodations can help students and employees participate more fully. Accessibility has also expanded into technology, with features such as screen readers, speech-to-text tools, keyboard navigation, and accessible digital documents. Many of these changes exist because people with disabilities and their allies continued to point out barriers and demand better solutions.
The National Park Service’s “Telling All Americans’ Stories” project provides an introduction to disability history in the United States. The goal is to highlight experiences of people with disabilities that are connected to national parks, historic landmarks, and other important places.
Learn more about the project here:
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/tellingallamericansstories/disability-history-overview.htm
What are your thoughts on disability history? Let us know and share your thoughts in the comments below!
The SPAN Youth Chat
On November 4th, from 4:15 to 5:00 PM, join Jeremy Hayer and the Youth Engagement Team for a Youth Chat exploring how to find a quiet place when you need a break. We’ll discuss and share ideas for handling noisy spaces, taking time to recharge, and speaking up for what helps you feel comfortable.
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Resources...
Link to SPAN's website: www.spanadvocacy.org
Link to SPAN's Youth in the Know Resource Page: Youth in the Know
We're here for you! Call SPAN if you need assistance: 1-800-654-7726.
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