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American School for the Deaf
In the year 1817, the first American School for the Deaf was opened. It was founded in Hartford, Connecticut. It was the first school for children with disabilities anywhere in the western hemisphere. -
Braille
Louis Braille invents the raised point alphabet that makes him a household name today. His method doesn't become well-known in the United States until more than 30 years after it is first taught at the St. Louis School for the Blind in 1860. Since then it has become something that is included in a lot of ways, but still isn't available with everything. -
First Steps in Identifying Cerebral Palsy
William Little makes the first step toward identifying cerebral palsy (CP) by describing children with stiff and/or spastic muscles in their arms and legs. That particular condition, known at the time as Little's disease (now called spastic diplegia), is one of the major disorders included in CP. Little also correctly guesses that the condition is caused by lack of oxygen during birth. -
1861-1865 American Civil War
The American Civil War results in 30,000 amputations in the Union Army alone. This event brings disability issues to the American consciousness. Not many people took disabilities seriously until they saw the impact that it had on the soldiers. -
1935 Disability Protest Results in WPA Jobs
To protest the fact that their requests for employment with the Works Progress Administration (WPA) have been stamped 'PH' (physically handicapped), 300 members of the League for the Physically Handicapped stage a nine-day sit in at the Home Relief Bureau of New York City. Eventually, they help secure several thousand jobs nationwide. The League of the Physically Handicapped is accepted as the first organization of people with disabilities by people with disabilities. -
Educator and Disability Activist
Judy Heumann sues the New York City Board of Education when her application for a teaching license is denied. The stated reason is the same originally used to bar her from kindergarten—that her wheelchair is a fire hazard. The suit, settled out of court, launches Heumann's activism. She later founds the Independent Living movement with Ed Roberts and oversees education and VR programs in the United States during the 1990s. -
Tennessee Sued for Inaccessible Courts
The United States Supreme Court hears Tennessee v. Lane, a case in which individuals sue the state of Tennessee for failing to ensure that courthouses are accessible to people with disabilities. One plaintiff is arrested when he refuses to crawl or be carried up stairs. The state argues that they can not be sued under Title II of the ADA. The Supreme Court decides in favor of people with disabilities.
