The first half of 2008 has seen two states pass Disability History Week/Month legislation, a historic step in educating youth about disabilities and the disability rights movement. In…
Washington and Florida Pass Disability History Legislation
The first half of 2008 has seen two states pass Disability History Week/Month legislation, a historic step in educating youth about disabilities and the disability rights movement. In Washington State, the Self-Advocacy in Motion youth group, with the support of several state and private agencies, pushed hard for a Disability History Month initiative, sponsored by State Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe. The bill passed in both Houses and was signed into law on March 26, 2008. In Florida, the Florida Youth Council, in concert with The Florida Developmental Disabilities Committee, helped create and support a Disability History Week initiative, HB 91/SB 856. Sponsored By Sen. Mike Fasano and Rep. Curtis Richardson, the bill was passed by both houses and signed into law by Governor Crist on June 13, 2008.