Page Introduction
Welcome to the Self-Advocacy Exhibit. Here you will find information on the history of self-advocacy and the rights of people with disABILITIES.Skip Navigation
Self-Advocacy
1954
Civil Rights
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka: U.S. Supreme Court ruling declaring “separate but equal schools” is considered segregation and is unconstitutional. The ruling leads to the Civil Rights movement which later gives momentum to the disability rights movement in later decades.
1957
Little People of America
The Little People of America is formed in Reno, Nevada by actor Billy Barty. The group advocates for little people and now has a membership of over 5,000.
1958
Media Advocacy
The Toomeyville Gazette begins publication becoming a leading voice for disability rights and independent living.
“To reach, to inform, and to dignify all respiratory polios, and all other severely disabled young adults, throughout the world.”
1962
Beginnings of a Movement
Edward (Ed) V. Roberts enrolls at University of California at Berkeley. Roberts was the first student with severe disabilities to live on the University campus. He became politically active, advocating for disability rights and igniting the independent living movement.
1963
John Hessler, Ed Roberts and others form the “Rolling Quads” at University of California, Berkeley advocating for access on the campus and surrounding community. The organization is formed by students living on campus at the University Hospital.
1964
Civil Rights Act
The Civil Rights Act is passed outlawing discrimination based on race. The legislation provides the framework for disability rights legislation in the future such as the Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA.
1965
Autism
Autism Society of America is formed by Bernard Rimland to advocate for services. Autism was first identified as a specific condition in a 1943 article, “Autistic Disturbances of Affective Contact,” by psychiatrist Leo Kanner, M. D.
1968 / 1969
Self-Advocacy Begins
Considered the start of the self-advocacy movement in Sweden under the leadership of Dr. Bengt Nirje. Dr. Nirje established a recreational club for people with developmental disabilities and members decided on the activities of their choice. This movement eventually spread to North America.