Overview of the Disability Movement: History, Legislative Record, and Political Implications |
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| Authors: | David Pfeiffer |
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| Institution: | David Pfeiffer, PhD, is professor of public management at Suffolk University and the immediate past president of the Society for Disability Studies. He was a participant in many of the historical events which he describes and can be contacted at Suffolk University, Department of Public Management, School of Management, 8 Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108-2770. |
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| Abstract: | This article presents a brief history and legislative record of the disability movement, along with their political implications. Beginning with the mid-nineteenth century efforts of Samuel Gridley Howe, the history of disability policy is reviewed. The impact of the field of eugenics is assessed. Notable achievements of the disability movement over the last two decades are presented, culminating in the Americans with Disabilities Act. The basic paradigm of disability policy is presented. The political and policy implications facing the disability movement are discussed. |
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