“A Natural Part of the Human Experience” Kelly Buckland, Executive Director, National Council on Independent Living Karen Flippo, Program Director, Institute for Community Inclusion, Umass Boston

A movement People Society Leaders Laws Power

People Ed Roberts, Founder of the Independent Living Movement

People-Ed Roberts The California Department of Rehabilitation refused Roberts’ request for financial aid to attend college on the basis that he was “too disabled” to work. The University of California accepted him as a student, but later rescinded their decision with the comment by one Dean, “We've tried cripples before and it didn't work.”

People-Ed Roberts After going public with his story, both the University and the Department of Rehabilitation reconsidered their positions and Ed eventually went on to become the head of the Department of Rehabilitation, the very same agency that had dismissed him as unemployable fifteen years earlier. Text from the National Council on Independent Living website:

Judy Heumann

People-Judy Heumann When I actually applied for my teaching credentials you had to take three exams, a written exam, an oral exam and a medical exam. All three of those exams were given in completely inaccessible buildings. So I had to be carried up 1 to 2 flights of stairs depending on where I had to go.

Judy Heumann I passed the oral exam and I passed the written exam but I failed the medical exam and the board wrote down that I failed because I couldn't walk and so we sued and when I sued the Board of Ed that was the beginning of many things.

Judy Heumann …In essence what they were saying was I was a fire hazard. I couldn't walk. So suing the Board of Ed and getting that credential and actually teaching really helped me realize that …when you begin to push, push, push, in many cases you can beat the system."

Justin Dart-Father of the ADA

I propose that we of the disability community lead the revolution of empowerment...[this] is not empty rhetoric. There is a distinct and vital difference between society/government that empowers people, and a society/government that provides for them and regulates them for their own good

Justin Dart...empowerment is when government joins with business, labor, religion, and individual citizens to guarantee every person the tool to govern, to produce and [to] live the best life possible for self and for all...we [PWDs] have unique knowledge and experience to offer. We have the responsibility to lead.

Carol Gill “ We have learned something important about life from being Disabled that makes us unique yet affirms our common humanity. We refuse any longer to hide our differences. Rather, we will explore, develop and celebrate our distinctness and offer its lessons to the world."

Values Equality Inclusion Integration Consumer control No medical model Person not a label Power

50 million people Over 50 million Americans, or 1 in 5 people, are living with at least one disability. Most Americans will experience a disability some time during the course of their lives.

People Independent Living Movement began in California through the efforts of Edward Roberts and others in the 1960s. People with disabilities are the best experts on their needs and are the decision makers regarding actions and solutions affecting their lives.

Laws Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: first large scale demonstration by disability activists in 1977; Protects qualified individuals from discrimination based on their disability. Applies to employers and organizations that receive financial assistance from any Federal department or agency.

Section 504 of the Rehab Act Forbids organizations and employers from excluding or denying individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to receive program benefits and services.

Additional legislation-1980s Special Education (PL ) Developmental Disabilities Act Voter Access Air Carrier Access Fair Housing Act amended to include disability

Laws-ADA Americans with Disabilities Act 1990: civil rights law for people with disabilities. Provided comprehensive civil rights protection for people with disabilities. Closely modeled after the Civil Rights Act, most sweeping disability rights legislation in American history.

Laws Over the last 20 years, ADA has expanded opportunities for individuals in the community by reducing barriers, changing perceptions, and increasing participation in community life.

ADA ADA guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in: Employment Public accommodations Transportation State and local government services Telecommunications

Laws-Olmstead Act In Olmstead v. L.C., 527 U.S. 581, 119 S.Ct (1999) ("the Olmstead decision"), the Supreme Court construed Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to require states to place qualified individuals with intellectual disabilities in community settings, rather than in institutions.

Laws-Olmstead Act The Department of Justice regulations implementing Title II of the ADA require public entities to administer their services, programs, and activities in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of qualified individuals with disabilities.

Corporation for National and Community Service In 1993, the Corporation for National and Community Service was established. Created to connect Americans of all ages and backgrounds with opportunities to give back to their communities and their nation.

Disability History Links Disability History Museum

What Took So Long? Ed Roberts California’s Ed Roberts Day associated with his induction Into the California Hall of Fame