The most pivotal point of the movement was the monumental Brown vs. Board of Education ruling, which declared that segregation is unconstitutional. It affirmed that citizens of the U.S. have the right to equal opportunities and protections under the law. This ruling had an overwhelming effect on the Disability Rights Movement, as this meant that people with special needs have the right to equal opportunities as well. Soon after, advocates inspired the government to pass the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 504 of the act gave people with special needs equal access to public services and set aside government money for vocational rehabilitation.
Unfortunately, this was not enforced often, and there was still much discrimination. Citizens throughout America demanded that President Carter sign more regulations to strengthen the 504. He, however, refused to sign it. Instead, he assigned a task force to review the regulations. This enraged millions, as it seemed as if the task force would instead weaken the Rehabilitation Act. As a result, the American Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities formed to lead sit-ins in federal offices across the country. They lead sit-ins from April 5 to April 28, 1977, when the voices of people with special needs were finally heard. After a sit-in in federal offices in San Francisco, the provisions were signed on April 28, thus increasing the opportunities of people with special needs. Together, the Rehabilitation Act and the 1975 Education for Handicapped Children Act joined to form the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination in public and private places. From inspiring changes such as accessible transportation to including special education services in schools and universities, the ADA has touched the lives of millions.
As you can see, the Disability Movement has helped us come a very long way. While we continue to advocate for a better and more inclusive world for people with special needs, let’s give thanks to all the people who contributed so far to this movement.
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