Disability Timeline by Jenna Lilianna

Ancient Times

jenjenlilianna — 2025-01-27 00:53:40 UTC

In ancient Sparta, children born with disabilities were often taken away and killed because of societal standards of strength. This highlights early unfairness and how individuals with disabilities were not treated the same.

Source: Garland, R. (1995). The Eye of the Beholder: Deformity and Disability in the Graeco-Roman World.

Middle Ages

jenjenlilianna — 2025-01-27 00:57:34 UTC

Monasteries and churches provided care for disabled individuals. They were often driven by charitable and religious motives, but these asylums were the first institutionalized efforts to support individuals with disabilities.

Source: Metzler, I. (2013). A Social History of Disability in the Middle Ages.

Renaissance

jenjenlilianna — 2025-01-27 01:02:03 UTC

Physicians began studying disabled individuals scientifically, which challenged and debunked superstitious beliefs. Paracelsus (pictured above) pioneered for understanding mental disabilities as natural, and not super-natural.

Source: Porter, R. (2002). Madness: A Brief History.

19th Century

jenjenlilianna — 2025-01-27 01:05:31 UTC

This was the first university the deaf, established in Washington D.C. This marked a significant time for people with disabilities and empowered deaf communities everywhere.

Source: Lane, H. (1989). When the Mind Hears: A History of the Deaf

Key Activist

jenjenlilianna — 2025-01-27 01:07:23 UTC

Helen Keller worked and advocated for the rights and education of the deaf-blind community. Additionally, she cofounded the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

Source: Lash, J. (1980). Helen and Teacher: The Story of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan Macy.

Early 20th Century

jenjenlilianna — 2025-01-27 01:10:04 UTC

This was a fundamental and foundational movement for the United States. It prohibited discrimination based on disability in federally funded government programs.

Source: Pelka, F. (2012). What We Have Done: An Oral History of the Disability Rights Movement.

Key Activist

jenjenlilianna — 2025-01-27 01:12:19 UTC

Ed Roberts founded the Independent Living Movement, which advocated for community-based services and accessibility.

Source: Shapiro, J. P. (1993). No Pity: People with Disabilities Forging a New Civil Rights Movement.

Late 20th Century

jenjenlilianna — 2025-01-27 01:14:28 UTC

This was when the ADA was officially signed, stating Americans with disabilities were ensures rights and accessibility in public, and private spaces.

Source: Fleischer, D., & Zames, F. (2001). The Disability Rights Movement: From Charity to Confrontation

Key Activist

jenjenlilianna — 2025-01-27 01:16:23 UTC

Judy Heumann played a huge role in the 504 sit-ins, and co-founded the World Institute of Disability.

Source: Heumann, J. (2020). Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist.

21st Century

jenjenlilianna — 2025-01-27 01:19:35 UTC

This international treaty emphasized global recognition of disability rights worldwide. It promoted accessibility, equality, and inclusion.

Source: United Nations. (2006). Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Modern Representation

jenjenlilianna — 2025-01-27 01:23:38 UTC

Innovations, like screen readers, prosthetics, and mobility devices have helped revolutionize accessibility for people with disabilities.

Source: Mace, R. L. (1997). Universal Design in Housing

Post WW1 Era

jenjenlilianna — 2025-01-27 01:26:44 UTC

Section 504 was the first U.S. law to prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities in federally funded programs, and it laid the groundwork civil rights legislation.

Source: Pelka, F. (2012). What We Have Done: An Oral History of the Disability Rights Movement.

1980's

jenjenlilianna — 2025-01-27 01:30:31 UTC

Ed Roberts spearheaded this movement, which empowered those with disabilities to live alone and become independent. it emphasized self-determination and accessibility throughout the country.

Source: Shapiro, J. P. (1993). No Pity: People with Disabilities Forging a New Civil Rights Movement.