Disabilities Timeline

1817à the American School for the Deaf is founded in Hartford, Connecticut, the first school for disabled children in the Western Hemisphere.

1848àthe Perkins Institution in Boston, Massachusetts, was the first residential institution for people with mental retardation.

1880à National Association for the Deaf was founded to advocate for reforms on behalf of the deaf.

1901à National Fraternal Society of the Deaf advocates for the ability to buy life insurance and obtain drivers' license.

1921à Franklin Roosevelt contracts polio, he was elected president of the United States in 1932.

1945à Public Law 176: National Employ the Handicapped week was established to create awareness of the possible jobs for the handicapped. In 1988, "Employ the Handicapped Week" expanded to include all disabilities and was changed from one week to a whole month.

1948àNational Paraplegic Foundation established to advocate for disability rights.

1960à first Paralympics games held in Rome, Italy.

1962à the University of California at Berkeley admitted it first significantly disabled student.

1964à Civil Rights Act passed outlawing discrimination based on race. The act started the framework for disability rights legislation.

1965à Medicare and Medicaid are established which created health insurance for Americans considered disabled.

1973à first self-advocacy conference titles, "First Convention for the Mentally Handicapped in North America" were held in Victoria Island, British Columbia.

1975à American Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities is established. Represent all disabilities for disability rights.

1977à Boston Marathon added a wheel chair division for women

1978à Sit-ins held in Denver over the inaccessibility of the public transit system.

1984à Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act making polling places accessible.

1986à Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill Individuals Act passed. The act provided protection from abuse and neglect for people with mental illness.

1992à International Day of Disabled Persons established to create awareness and understanding,