Self Advocacy Exhibit
Advocacy
Active support of an idea or cause, especially the act of pleading or arguing for something. Individuals, organizations, businesses, and governments can engage in advocacy.
Self Advocacy
Self-advocacy refers to an individual’s ability to effectively communicate, convey, negotiate or assert his or her own interests, desires, needs, and rights. It involves making informed decisions and taking responsibility for those decisions. (VanReusen et al., 1994)
Independent Living
Advocates define independent living: 1. A living arrangement that maximizes independence and self-determination, especially for people with disabilities. 2. A social movement asserting that people with disabilities should have the same civil rights and life choices as people without disabilities.
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1965
Autism
1970
Disabled in Action
1970
Ed Roberts, John Hessler and others establish the Physically Disabled Student Program at the University of California at Berkeley.
1972
Independence
1972
The Center supports people with disabilities in their goal of living an independent life outside of institutions and nursing homes. This organization was founded by persons with disabilities.
1972
Using the Courts
1973
Disabled in Action, National Paraplegia Foundation and other advocacy groups protest the veto of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 by President Richard Nixon. The Act guarantees certain rights to Americans with disabilities while Section 504 of the Act is considered the first civil-rights legislation for workers with disabilities. Demonstrations are held in Washington, D.C.
1973
Citizens with Disabilities
1973
Self-Advocacy in America
1974
People First, the nations largest and first self-advocacy organization, was founded in 1974 by the five who attended the Canadian conference. People Firsts initial convention is held that same year in Salem, Oregon.
1968-69
Self-Advocacy Begins
1974
Accessible Living
1974
Accessible Living
1975
All Inclusive Self-Advocacy
1975
A Bill of Rights
Self-Advocacy
Self-advocacy refers to:
Independent Living
Advocates define independent living:
Advocacy
Active support of an idea or cause especially the act of pleading or arguing for something. Individuals, parents, organizations, businesses, and governments can engage in advocacy.
Self-Advocacy
The History of People with Disabilities Deciding for Themselves
1841
Advocacy: The Beginnings
1870's
Josephine Shaw Lowell
1870's Continued
Newark State School
1854
Early Self-Advocacy
1868
Individual Advocacy
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1949
President Truman creates a Committee on Employment of the Handicapped. Executive order 10994 stated: The President's Committee shall facilitate the development of maximum employment opportunities for the physically and mentally handicapped.
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1954
Civil Rights
1957
Little People of America
1958
Media Advocacy
1962
Beginnings of a movement:
1962
Edward (Ed) V. Roberts enrolls at University of California at Berkeley. Roberts was the first student with severe disabilities to live on the University campus. He became politically active, advocating for disability rights and igniting the independent living movement.
1963
John Hessler, Ed Roberts and others form the Rolling Quads at University of California, Berkeley advocating for access on the campus and surrounding community. The organization is formed by students living on campus at the University Hospital.
1964
Civil Rights Act
1964
Civil Rights Act
1965
Autism
1901
NFDS
1901
NFDS
1908
A Mind That Found Itself
1908
A Mind That Found Itself
1921
Helen Keller
1935
Employment The League of the Physically Handicapped is founded in New York City. The League protests discrimination against people with disabilities in federal works programs such as the Works Progress Administration. They use sit-ins, picket lines and demonstrations to draw attention to their cause.
1940
American Federation of the Physically Handicapped is formed by Paul Strachan. The Federation advocates to end job discrimination against people with physical disabilities and for the establishment of a National Employ the Handicapped Week.
1940
National Federation of the Blind
1945
National Employ the Handicapped Week
1946
United Cerebral Palsy Association
1946
National Mental Health Foundation The National Mental Health Foundation is established by employees in mental institutions to reveal the bad treatment of residents. In conjunction with an advocacy campaign to change the public’s thoughts on mental illness, the organization waited for the publication of the article “Bedlam 1946: Most U.S. Mental Hospitals are a Shame and Disgrace” in Life Magazine in the May 6, 1946 issue.
1946
National Mental Health Foundation
1947
Veteran Advocacy
1948
Self-Help
1948
The Civilian Arm
1949
President Truman creates a Committee on Employment of the Handicapped. Executive order 10994 stated: The President's Committee shall facilitate the development of maximum employment opportunities for the physically and mentally handicapped.