Disabled History: 20th Century, Activism, Discrimination and Rights

This report delves into the history of disabled individuals during the 20th century, examining key events and societal changes that impacted their lives. It begins by outlining significant global events of the period, such as world wars and the Cold War, and discusses the rise of the digital revolution and its consequences. The report then focuses on the experiences of disabled people, referencing Kim E. Nielsen's work and highlighting instances of discrimination and the denial of civil rights, including involuntary sterilization and limitations on immigration. The report also examines the activism of disabled individuals, specifically the 1977 protest in San Francisco, which led to the enactment of the 504 Act. The report emphasizes the importance of understanding the challenges faced by disabled people and the power of their activism.

Running head: STORY OF THE DISABLED
STORY OF THE DISABLED
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Author note

1STORY OF THE DISABLED
Answer 1
The 20th century was full of historic events such world wars, use of nuclear weapons,
cold war, space exploration, decolonization and nationalism. However help from various
governmental organizations influenced developments such as reduction in poverty,
controlling the population growth across the world, prevention of environment pollution
through awareness. This gave rise to the digital revolution, enhanced transportation and
communication. However the era also brought some negative consequences such as
ecological collapses, rise of sea level, deforestation and water crisis.
Kim E. Nielsen in his book of A Disability History of the United States defines the
concept of disability and the experiences of the disabled people involved in protests, mass
movements and daily events. The disabled people faced discrimination in the American
society and were made slaves. Blind slaves were thrown into water and disabled women
slaves were sterilized involuntarily. They also faced limitations from immigration,
governmental policies and labor laws. All these factors influenced the disabled in becoming
activist (Nielsen 2014).
Answer 2
On 5th April 1977 the people with disabilities fought against discrimination and
demanded their rights. 500 to 600 disabled people stormed the health and regional office at
San Francisco to demand justice against discrimination. For years they were discriminated,
denied of any civil rights and there was no special privileges for the disabled. They held
protest in the building enduring through the tough police forces. After 28 days of protest the
504 act for the disabled was enacted. This video emphasis on the strong will power of the
disabled people with which they fought against all the odds and how every human should
perceive another through humanity (Instant Recall 2008).

2STORY OF THE DISABLED
References
Instant Recall (2008). 504 Demonstration CBS Evening News. Available at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbfNJpFni-E&feature=youtu.be.
Nielsen, K. (2014). A disability history of the United States. pp. Chapter 7-8.