History of Disability

The Mission of the Pennhurst Memorial and Preservation Alliance is to promote an understanding of the struggle for dignity and full civil rights for persons with disabilities, using the little-known history at Pennhurst. They seek to educate citizens in local, national, and international communities, to assure that we never go back.

This guide is designed to assist youth with and without disabilities to learn about the rich history of people with disabilities. Although designed primarily for youth and emerging leaders with disabilities, the guide can be used in multiple ways to educate a broader audience as well. 877-871-0744 or TTY 877-871-0665

A project of People Inc, the Museum of disABILITY History proves that everything is possible. It is a trusted, go-to resource for anyone that is looking to learn about the history, challenges, and achievements of people with disabilities over the past few centuries. Museum of disABILITY 3826 Main Street Buffalo, NY 14226 716-629-3626

The powerful one-hour documentary I GO HOME chronicles the role institutionalization played in the life of people with intellectual disabilities in 1960s America. Using the story of Pennhurst State School and Hospital in eastern Pennsylvania as an example of the abuse and neglect that was taking place on a national level, the program details how those with intellectual disabilities were treated in society, the resulting changes that were needed, and the community-based efforts in place today. Archival photos and footage along with interviews with people with intellectual disabilities, advocates, researchers, scientists, parents, social workers, and many more help raise awareness about the issue and shine a light on the struggles and triumphs of the disability rights movement.

Short video featuring Katie Beckett’s mother Julie Beckett, recalling Katie’s story and how the Katie Beckette Medicaid Waiver came to be.

The Disability History Project is a community history project, and we welcome your participation. This is an opportunity for disabled people to reclaim our history and determine how we want to define ourselves and our struggles. People with disabilities have an exciting and rich history that should be shared with the world. Please email us about anything that you would like to see become part of the Disability Social History Project, including your disabled heroes, important events in disability history, and resource. email: Info@disabilityhistory.org

PDF timeline of important events in disability rights history.

The Disability History Museum hosts a Library of virtual artifacts, Education curricula, and Museum exhibits. These programs are designed to foster research and study about the historical experiences of people with disabilities and their communities. 413-369-4371

The Disability History Association (DHA) is an international non-profit organization that promotes the study of disabilities throughout history. This includes, but is not limited to, the history of individuals or groups with disabilities, perspectives on disability, representations/ constructions of disability, policy and practice history, teaching, theory, and Disability and related social and civil rights movements. We define both history and disability widely. This organization is both inclusive and international, reflected in our diverse topics and approaches. Membership is open to scholars, institutions and organizations, and others working in all geographic regions and all time periods.