1940's-1950's: Disabled WWII vets placed pressure on U.S government to provide equal rights, benefit and employment. However the movement didn't lead any revolutionary changes for disabled rights during this time.
Disabled Rights Movement Timeline
The Disabled Rights Movement was a movement that gained a lot of traction during 1960's fighting for the equality of those with disabilities. Inspiration through the Civil Rights movement inspired advocates to go out and lead movements, sparking change for equality in various aspects of society for those were viewed unequal.
1960: The Civil Rights Movement began and led a spark across the nation for other minorities to follow. Disabled Right activist soon joined other minority groups and demanded equal access, opportunity, & treatment for people with with disabilities
1968: The Architectural Barriers Act required all federally constructed buildings to be accessible to people with distillates. This act was a major achievement as people with disabilities were finally getting their problems addressed with equal access to facilities.
Did you know?: 1 in 5 Americans have some sort of disability. Those who are physically disabled are the nations largest minority group.
1970's: Disabled Rights activist sought to influence congress by marching on Washington. They wanted to add civil rights language for people with disabilities into the previous 1972 Rehabilitation Act.
1973: The march on Washington was a success. The Rehabilitation Act was revised and passed, now granting civil rights to people with disabilities. For the first time people with disabilities were protected under law.
1975: The Education for All Handicapped Children Act passed, granting equal access to public education or all children with disabilities.
Did you know?: Fewer than 15% in the world are born with their disabilities as people develop them later on.
1980: Activist now began to push for consolidation of multiple legislation that would add people with disabilities to be protected. Since the Civil Rights Act of 1964 never addressed people with disabilities, activist sought to address this problem.
1990: Americans with Disabilities Act was passed and it ensured equal treatment and access to employment and public transportation. Overall, this was one of the biggest achievements in the Disabled Rights Movement. By this time in history, the moment revived most of its goals in equality under law.
Did you know?: One-third of Americans with disestablishes are 65 or older. As mentioned earlier, most people aren't born with disabilities but receive them later on in life.
2012: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act prohibited insurance companies from denying health coverage based on preexisting conditions and disabilities. The Disabled Rights movement now is seen a huge success. It was only through movements like the march on Washington, that kept the movement striving towards equality for all with disabilities. The movement has slowed down to current day since they've achieved their goals but fights for others to see those with disabilities as equals. The movement wants the people of today to not view a disability as a negative but to see them as a normal person.