Browse Exhibits (1 total)

Empowering Inclusivity through Disability History

Tom Olin - 1990 Capitol Crawl.jpeg

This exhibit serves as a means to provide context for the numerous issues and contributions made by the Disability Rights Movement, alongside Disability activists, who have been instrumental in shaping American society. The Disability Rights Movement gained momentum due to the return of veterans with both physical and mental disabilities after World War II. Their homecoming marked a period of reintegration, during which they faced the challenge of bridging the economic gap between the pre- and post-World War II eras. Moreover, to make this economic transition viable, they needed to be reintegrated into society. However, this proved to be a formidable task due to the inaccessibility of America, and the encompassing physical and mental dimensions. Our exhibit will encompass the disposition towards individuals with disabilities in congruence with the rise of Disability Rights and legislation post WWII. We will then begin to distinguish the physical and mental disabilities, and discern the legal and societal obstacles individuals encounter in institutional settings, education, and broader society. Crucial legislation came to the forefront of Disability Rights as a response to the surge in Disability Rights activities; driven by a strong sense of post-World War II nationalism. There was a notable shift towards more inclusive legislation throughout the Disability Rights Movement, culminating in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Prior to discussing this act, the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA), the Mental Retardation Facilities and Community Mental Health Centers Construction Act (CMHC), and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) will be presented in providing the base groundworks for the history of Disability Legislation.

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