Disability History Week

1975

American Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities is established. This organization represents all disabilities for disability rights. Frank Bowe was the first executive director.

Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act passed.

The Willowbrook Consent Decree is signed by New York Governor Hugh Carey, which commits New York State to improving community placement for members of the Willowbrook class action lawsuit, and later all persons served by the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.

"The Education for All Handicapped Children Act," public law 94-142, was passed in 1975. This act allocated federal dollars to states and localities in order to provide education for children with disabilities. Included in the act were provisions for a free and appropriate education, individualized education programs with parental involvement, establishment of due process proceedings, and to provide an education in the least restrictive environment.

1976

Transbus group sues the city of Philadelphia to make public buses wheelchair accessible. The group is made up several advocacy organizations.

Disabled in Action protests the United Cerebral Palsy telethon in New York City.

An amendment to the Higher Education Act of 1972 requiring the provision of services for physically disabled college students is passed.

1977

Disability rights advocates protest in 10 cities for regulations implementing section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act 1973.

White House Conference on Handicapped People includes participation of people with disabilities.