Historically, disabled people who could not live independently were commonly housed in institutions away from society. No protections against discrimination existed, and disability was conceptualized as scary, contagious, and abnormal.

Beginning in 1867, cities passed ordinances barring “unsightly” or “diseased” people from being seen in public spaces. Related to social Darwinism and eugenics, these laws targeted poor and disabled people and were not fully repealed until the 1970s.

In the mid-20th century, many groups formed to advocate for disability rights, focusing on basic protections and dignity. Some major groups include the League of the Physically Handicapped and the National Federation of the Blind.

Activists performed a sit-in at a federal building in San Francisco, lasting for a month until President Jimmy Carter signed Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This law prohibits federally funded programs from discriminating against disabled people.

Activists crawled up the steps of the Capitol building without using mobility aids, protesting lack of accessibility. The protest pressured lawmakers to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act — a landmark law protecting disability rights as civil rights.

“Disability justice” was first coined by Sins Invalid, a collective of disabled, queer women of color. This intersectional movement builds on disability rights to include the experiences of people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, Indigenous people, and more.

Now it is our turn to continue improving accessibility for all people. Some contemporary issues include digital accessibility and increased awareness of neurodivergence. Check out the rest of our toolkit to learn more about current work.