Rehab Medical Celebrates America’s History of Disability Movements
- Rehab Medical
- 3 hours ago
- 5 min read
In honor of America’s 250th birthday, the Rehab Medical team would like to recognize how disability advocacy and accessibility have shaped a more inclusive America, where mobility freedom is now recognized as a civil right. Additionally, we’ll highlight some of the major movements that led to modern-day accessibility, introduced advanced adaptive equipment, and how America continues to advocate for accessibility rights.
The History
A Look Back at 250 Years of Accessibility Rights
1776
Continental Congress passes first national pension law for soldiers permanently disabled during the Revolutionary War.
1866
The first branch of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers opened in Togus, Maine.
1930
The Veteran’s Administration was formed, combining the Pension/Veteran Bureau and National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers agency.
1945
The first week of October is declared National Employ the Physically Handicapped week, which is later renamed in 1988 to National Disability Employment Awareness month.
1960
The first Disability Rights Movement begins after disability advocates saw an opportunity to join forces alongside the Civil Rights Movement and demand equal treatment, equal access, and equal opportunity.
1961
The First Accessibility Standard was introduced to remove environmental barriers. The standard defined the first nationally recognized guidelines for making buildings and facilities accessible to disabled individuals.
1968
The Architectural Barriers Act was enacted, stating that all buildings and facilities designed, built, or altered with federal money or leased by federal agencies are accessible.
1973
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was formed, which prohibits disability-based discrimination in programs conducted by federal agencies and receiving federal financial assistance, as well as in federal employment and in the employment practices of federal contractors.
1975
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act was established to support states and localities in protecting the rights of, meeting the individual needs of, and improving the results for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities and their families. In 1990, it was renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
1977
The 504 Sit-in was staged in San Francisco to demand greater accessibility and accommodations for people with disabilities. It started because of the government's failure to implement Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
1978
The National Council on Disability was established to advise the President, Congress, and the executive branch agencies on policies that promote the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
1990
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) signed into law, marking it as the world's first comprehensive civil rights law for people with disabilities prohibiting discrimination in employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications, and access to state and local government programs and services.
1996
Telecommunications Act of 1996 was established to ensure manufacturers design telecommunications products that are compatible with adaptive equipment.
1999
The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act was signed into law, stating that individuals with disabilities who receive Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income have a right to return to work and still receive the necessary support.
2005
The Disability Justice Movement was started to expand on the Disability Rights Movement by examining disability and ableism as it relates to other forms of oppression and identity such as race, class, and gender.
The Support
How Rehab Medical Contributes to Accessibility and Independence
For over two decades, we’ve been driven by a simple but powerful mission: to improve and positively impact the lives of our patients, partners, and the communities we serve. Each day we strive to provide our patients with personalized patient care and service built on speed, clarity, and continuity so every patient feels seen, heard, and empowered to pursue the activities that matter the most to them.
More than just offering life changing equipment and personalized support, we create lasting impacts in our communities through volunteerism, advocacy, and awareness. An example of this is our ongoing partnership with Servants at Work (SAWs), a nonprofit dedicated to building wheelchair ramps for individuals with mobility challenges.
Since the fall of 2019, we’ve proudly supported this organization by raising nearly $75,000 and dedicating more than 700 hours of service to ensure patients have can safely access their home and communities.
The Celebration
How Mobility Users Can Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday
Here are a few wheelchair-friendly cities that also offer great attractions for America's 250th birthday celebration.
Philadelphia, PA - As the birthplace of American independence, Philadelphia is the epicenter of the 250th celebrations, and city officials have heavily invested in making festivities ADA-compliant. The Museum of the American Revolution offers entirely step-free access and elevator routes. You can also view the iconic Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, both of which feature ADA-accessible entrances and ramps. Additionally, you can navigate between events using the highly accessible SEPTA transit network.
Washington, D.C. - As the home of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the nation’s capital is renowned for its outstanding accessible infrastructure, including tactile pavements, flat National Mall paths, and ADA-compliant metro stations. The city is also home to the 250th federal celebration, offering patriotic programming, live performances, and the largest fireworks show D.C. has ever staged on the National Mall. Adding to the appeal are the National Archives' new "American Story" exhibit, a permanent AI-driven experience spanning nine galleries, and a 250th-themed DC JazzFest.
Boston, MA - Boston brings revolutionary history to life with an extremely walkable and highly retrofitted downtown core. Most of the famous 2.5-mile Freedom Trail is flat and navigable. Highly accessible stops include the Old North Church and the USS Constitution Museum. Boston will host massive harbor-side events, historic reenactments, and Fourth of July spectacles. Given that it's the birthplace of the Revolution, the area has a strong offering of 250th programming such as the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular and the official MA250 signature event.
San Diego, CA - If you prefer a warm-weather destination with coastal history, San Diego combines a highly accessible layout with beautiful natural attractions. At the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, you can explore the USS Midway Museum, which provides excellent wheelchair accessibility and elevators, or head to the coast to enjoy the West Coast fireworks, military flyovers, and community festivals with a strong patriotic flair.
Denver, CO - Denver offers the perfect blend of modern city accessibility and patriotic celebrations nestled beside the Rocky Mountains. The History Colorado Center offers world-class, fully accessible exhibits. Colorado's Am250 celebrations will include drone shows, cultural events, and historic activities.
San Antonio, TX - San Antonio is frequently listed as wheelchair-friendly for its ramps and elevators at attractions like the Alamo and River Walk. San Antonio also has accessible VIA Metropolitan Transit.
The Journey
Share Your Story with Us
While much progress has been made over the past 250 years, the pursuit of accessibility and independence continues. We are proud to play a small part in that ongoing journey by helping people gain the mobility, freedom, and confidence to live life on their terms.
Share your journey to mobility freedom with us by emailing getmoving@rehabmedical.com or by posting to Facebook or Instagram and tagging @rehabmedical.
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