Disability Rights History: A Self-Guided Tour
April 19, 2023 | | 2 min read
The evolution of disability rights and access to education, employment and civil rights began in the 1800s.
In preparation for the April episode of “Flatland in Focus” airing Thursday on Kansas City PBS, we compiled resources from disability leaders, advocates, lawyers and educators marking key moments in history.
Throughout history, advocates of disability rights, education and employment often point out, disability issues overlap with other issues such as civil rights and Social Security. These intersections underscore just how intertwined discrimination and inequities are across race, ability and socioeconomic status.
The slideshow below offers a self-guided tour through key moments and laws in history that helps contextualize both progress and the persistent barriers many people with disabilities and their families face today. Toggle through the timeline and click the links for more information.
Learn more about disability history in this ‘Brief but Spectacular Take’ with late disability rights leader Judith Heumann
Vicky Diaz-Camacho covers community affairs and heads up the journalism engagement series, curiousKC, for Kansas City PBS.
Reading these stories is free, but telling them is not. Start your monthly gift now to support Flatland’s community-focused reporting.
Related Stories
Nick’s Picks | Roads, Bathrooms, Costco and More …
New Toll Road Opens Kansas City’s first toll road opens this week. Starting Saturday, you’ll pay up to $3.50 to travel the new express lanes on U.S. Highway 69 from 103rd to 151st streets in Overland Park. There are no toll booths — cameras scan your license plate, and a bill arrives by mail. KTAG…
Up From the Ashes: Warwick Theatre Revival Draws Applause
Two years ago, John Cleary met a fellow Kansas City actor for drinks. Their conversation centered on the fate of the Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre. A large portion of the ensemble’s home, the Warwick Theatre, was ash, charred timbers and soot-saturated costumes and props — remnants from a recent massive fire. The destruction was so great…
Nick’s Picks | Baseball, Drones, Romance and More …
Royals Reveal Next week, the Kansas City Royals head to Arizona for Spring Training. And that’s the mayor’s self-imposed deadline to lock in a stadium deal. So, is this finally the week owner John Sherman steps to the plate and unveils where the Royals will build their next home? At last week’s council meeting, Mayor…