Disability Rights Movement in the United States

Overview

• Often overlooked compared to other civil rights movements.
• Represents a significant minority group: 20% of the US population.
• The movement is still ongoing and highly relevant today.

Models of Disability

• Moral Model:
  • Disability is seen as an act of God.
  • Often associated with religious views; disability is seen as either a result of sin or a trial.
  • Care and pity from community as the primary response.
• Medical Model:
  • Views disabled people as victims needing treatment or cure.
  • Commonly associated with charity marathons and search-for-a-cure initiatives.
• Social Model:
  • Disability is seen as a societal issue rather than an individual problem.
  • Advocates for changing society to eliminate barriers.
  • Gaining traction in the U.S., driven by disabled activists.

Historical Context in the U.S.

• Moral Model Era:

  • Dorothy Dix's advocacy led to early institutions for disabled people.
  • Creation of "ugly laws" and institutionalization as societal responses.

• Shift to Medical Model:

  • Eugenics movement shifted focus to science, advocating for preventing disabled people from procreating.
  • Forced sterilizations and lobotomies as extreme measures.

Rise of the Disability Rights Movement

• Began in the 1950s, inspired by the civil rights movement.

• Key Legislation and Actions:

  • Amendments to Social Security, establishment of Medicare and Medicaid.
  • Deinstitutionalization and independent living movements.
  • Ed Roberts and Judy Heumann as prominent activists.

• Rehabilitation Act of 1973:

  • Introduced new definitions of disability.
  • Section 504 was crucial in providing protections against discrimination.
  • Judy Heumann led protests like the 504 sit-in to ensure its enforcement.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

• Passed in 1990 after persistent activism, including the Capitol Crawl.
• Prohibited discrimination and required accommodations.
• Bipartisan support: passed 76-8 in the Senate.

Continued Relevance

• Rights gained through activism are constantly under threat.
• Recent political movements have challenged the stability of these rights.
• The fight for disability rights, like other civil rights, is ongoing.

Conclusion

• The social model of disability remains a guiding framework.
• Activism must continue until societal attitudes are fully transformed.
• Rights once gained can easily be lost; continuous vigilance and advocacy are necessary.