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
1980
Institutional Rights
The Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act is passed. It allows the United States Department of Justice to file suits on behalf of residents of institutions. The institutions covered include mental hospitals, prisons and long-term facilities such as state schools.
1980
A Voice
The first Issue of Disability Rag is published. Mary Johnson is the creator of the magazine that discusses disability rights and self-advocacy.
1981
The International Year of Disabled Persons is established by United Nations to create awareness and understanding. Other objectives of the proclamation were equality of opportunities and disability prevention.
NBDA
National Black Deaf Advocates is founded. The advocacy organization works on behalf of African Americans who have hearing impairments. Objectives of the group include social equality and educational and economic opportunities.
1982
Independent Living
National Council on Independent Living is formed. The Council was formed after the passage of the 1978 Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act that called for federal funding for Centers of Independent Living. The NCIL advocates for more control of services provided to people with disabilities. These services would be in the hands of those receiving services under the Rehabilitation Act.
1983
ADAPT
American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today is established and uses civil disobedience to obtain accessible public transportation and access to public and private buildings. The group now advocates for supported community living instead of living in institutions such as nursing homes.
1983
Advocating for Rights
The World Institute on Disability is founded by Ed Roberts, Judith Heumann, and Joan Leon. This organization advocates for the civil rights of people with disabilities.
1984
Voting Power
Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act requires polling places be accessible for individuals with disabilities. The legislation was considered difficult to enforce at first for the reason that there were no penalties for failing to comply to the Act.
1984
International Self-Advocacy
The International Self-Advocacy Leadership Conference is held in Tacoma, Washington. The tireless promoter of self-advocacy, Rosemary Dybwad, was in attendance.
1985
New York State
New York State holds its first conference on self-advocacy for people with developmental disabilities. The conference was an opportunity for people with developmental disabilities to discuss their rights and what they wanted to see change.
1986
Government Advocacy
Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill Individuals Act is passed. The Act provides protections from abuse and neglect for people with mental illness as well as advocates for those patients rights.
1986
Discrimination
Air Carrier Access Act passed. The act forbids the discrimination of people with disabilities regarding air travel and provides provisions on access and accommodations.
1986
Self-Advocacy Association of New York State
Bernard Carabello founded the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State. Carabello is a leading self-advocate in New York and the United States. He spent 19 years in Willowbrook State Hospital.
1988
Deaf President Now
Students at Gallaudet University, the first school for the advanced education of people with hearing impairments, protest and demand the selection of a university president with a hearing impairment. The “Deaf President Now” protest results in the appointment of Irving King Jordan as the first deaf president of the university.
1989
ADA introduced in Congress
The landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) legislation is introduced into Congress and advocacy groups nationwide push for its passage.
1989
Mouth Magazine
Mouth: The Voice of Disability Rights begins publication in Rochester, New York.