A Brief Disability Rights History

Stories

A close-up black-and-white photograph capturing a tender moment between a man and a woman smiling together. --- ### Foreground Subjects * **The Man:** He has his hair pulled back, a thin mustache, and a soul patch. He is smiling warmly with his head tilted slightly toward the woman. He is wearing a dark zip-up hoodie over a textured scarf or shirt. The headrest and supportive framework of a wheelchair are visible directly behind his neck and shoulders. * **The Woman:** Leaning her head affectionately against his shoulder is an older woman with wavy grey hair pulled back. She is looking toward the camera with a joyful, wide grin. --- ### Background Elements * **Setting:** The pair are positioned outdoors on what appears to be a wooden deck or patio, backed by horizontal wooden fencing or paneling. * **Objects:** To the far left, a portion of a black kettle-style barbecue grill is visible, and to the right, a textured plastic crate or storage container sits partially in frame.

Posted on April 22, 2017April 2, 2019

A hundred years ago, children with disabilities were routinely placed in institutions, where they remained for the rest of their lives. But by the time the civil rights movement began, parents were pursing a different life for their children, demanding that their sons and daughters be moved out of institutions and allowed to receive an education. Alongside other civil rights activists, they were passionate advocates.

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