-
Period: to
Disability Rights Movement
-
Right to Life
The Declaration of Independence declares that all humans are endowed with unalienable Rights that include life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness -
American Civil War Begins
Tensions spread between northern and southern United States over slavery, the rights of the states, and federal authority -
Joseph Merrick "The Elephant Man" is born in Leicester, England
Joseph Merrick, known as The Elephant Man" developed massive tumors across his body at the age of two years old. Despite being a brilliant and intelligent child, he was teased and taunted by other children and adults. Doctors tried to cure him but to no avail were they successful. Unable to find meaningful work, John Merrick earned money by becaming a "circus" exhibit and in sideshows. -
End of American Civil War
End of the war resulted in thousands of amputee veterans. This brings the issues of disabled individuals to light -
Smith-Sears Veterans Rehabilitation Act
Smith-Sears Veterans Rehabilitation Act provided funding for rehabilitation and employment for disabled veterans -
Social Security Act
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs Social Security Act to provide assistance to disabled individuals and their children -
Beginning of National Barrier-Free Standards
Barrier-free buildings and environments created opportunites for disabled individuals to not be hindered by immobility thus giving them the opportunity to seek education and employment -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed. It gave African American men and women the right to vote, have equal education and employment opportunites, and equal public accomodations. However, it failed to include the rights of disabled individuals and did not end their discrimination -
Sesame Street signs Linda Bove
Linda Bove, a deaf actress, signs a long-term contract with the popular television show Sesame Street. She quickly became a positive role for not only deaf children, but for hearing children as well. Bove and her husband created opportunities for other deaf actors by starting the National Theater of the Deaf in 1963, prior to her role on Sesame Street. -
American Disabilities Act of 1990
President George H.W. Bush signed the American Disabilities Act of 1990 which prevented employers, state and local governments, employment agencies and labor unions from discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities -
Disability Pride Parade
People with all types of disabilities came together to embrace their disabilities and set out to prove that being disabled is also beautiful
