Establishing Disability History Awareness Initiatives – A Roadmap for States &Territories: (pdf) March 2011 National Association of Governor’s Committees

Disability History Initiatives –
An Introduction

People of all races, classes, and cultures have disabilities. Currently, twenty percent of the American public lives with one or more disabilities, and a person may become disabled at any point during their lifetime. Yet despite the number of people with disabilities in our country, many are unaware of the rich history of the disability movement.
One effective strategy for advancing the rights of people with disabilities is to establish a Disability History Awareness Initiative at the state or territory level.
By passing legislation celebrating disability history, state legislatures can help their citizens learn from the successes of past and present disability activists who have worked to make our country more inclusive. Such celebrations enliven people's understanding and appreciation for the diversity of our country and for people with disabilities.
Why Celebrate Disability History?
Individuals with disabilities have played a key role in both creating and
influencing our nation's history. And their efforts can help us understand the impact of advocacy on landmark legislation.
One notable disability rights champion is Ed Roberts. Through his activism,
Roberts initiated and invigorated the Independent Living Movement. The
movement began mostly at the University of California, Berkeley where Roberts attended and demanded comparable living and learning accommodations.
The life and work of Justin W. Dart, Jr. is a further testament to activism and the legislative process. Dart is often referred to as the “Father of the Americans with Disabilities Act." An entrepreneur turned activist, Dart fought against the discrimination imposed upon people with disabilities, African-Americans, and gays and lesbians. While chairman of the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, Dart worked to unite people with all different types of disabilities behind one singular cause – an effort that succeeded in the disability movement gaining critical mass. Because of this activism, Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990.
Disability History Awareness Initiatives are about recognizing the efforts of people with disabilities in our nation’s past. However there are other
opportunities for states and localities to celebrate present and future
opportunities for people with disabilities. As an example, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which occurs every October, presents an opportunity for states to acknowledge the many workers with disabilities who strengthen and diversify our nation's workforce. By observing this month, states can focus on ways to help people with disabilities be more included in the workplace.
Recognizing disability history and the need for disability employment awareness is a step towards eliminating the stereotypes, ignorance, and other barriers that hinder universal inclusion in the workplace and in our society.
About This Toolkit
Many states and territories already have Disability History Awareness Initiatives in place. Other states that want to take this step can model proposed legislation after what has already been passed in these states.
This document is designed to assist states that have not yet passed legislation related to Disability History Awareness. It features strategies and suggestions for mobilizing public support and passing the necessary legislation. The kit also contains sample language for such legislation and the contact information for those who have helped other states succeed in their endeavors.

For the full report click headline or go to:
http://www.dol.gov/odep/alliances/roadmap.pdf