Skip to content

Museum of DisABILITY History

Advocacy Exhibit

Speaking Out and Speaking Up


Advocacy for people with disabilities has taken many forms over time. At first the idea was to provide shelter from an uncaring world, to provide a place of refuge. When the institutions that had been established to educate and nurture fell short of providing for the basic needs of their charges, changes in the provision of care were advocated by social reformers, politicians, and most importantly parents. A fundamental reason for advocating for people with disabilities is that they are members of our family. Currently, people with disabilities are banding together to form self-advocacy groups.

Click on any image to explore the virtual gallery.