Prior to early 1970s, several citizens of the United States’ disabled people lived in institutions. However, because of social movements for civil rights and equality supported young activists to speak on behalf of those who were disabled and politicians around the country thought they needed to reduce the costs that are used to run large institutions, many people relocated from institutional to community areas. An article found in ABC Clio goes further in depth about how the Disabilities Rights Movement dramatically changed the lives of those who have a disability.
“Groups like the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), founded after World War II, worked to improve therapy and rehabilitation programs.
While people with disabilities began to be able to move about more easily, they still faced discrimination in regard to education and employment. Public schools could legally refuse to enroll disabled children, special schools for the blind and deaf were segregated from the community, and residential schools were largely institution-like. Influenced by parents and the Supreme Court case of PARC v. Pennsylvania (1972), Congress passed the Education for All Handicapped Children Act in 1975. The act mandated that all children with disabilities are entitled to a free, public education.
The Employment Opportunities for Disabled Americans Act of 1986 finally allowed recipients of SSI or SSDI to continue to collect benefits while working. The more a recipient earned, the less federal money he or she would collect, and his or her federal health insurance would remain intact.”
One of the greatest things about the Disabilities Act, is that it gave those would are impaired, either physically or mentally, a voice to be heard. With these new acts in place, it gave the disabled a chance to enjoy life, and not feel so isolated from the rest of the community. With a new education program, financial stability and access to therapy programs, the disabled people can live a normal life just like the rest of us.
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