Disability Act 504 July 29 2024 497 words

The first attempt to provide help for veterans and sailors disabled in the Revolution war was in 1777. The Federal Government had no ability to fund this help . They looked to the individual states to implement the provisions of the act.
Over the past two hundred years, laws have been created, implemented and challenged by sections of disable groups. Many of the laws restricted the rights of persons with disabilities. The so called Ugly laws, restricted individuals right to appear in public with a physical or mental impairment. Initially passed to curb begging, the laws were interpreted to restrict people’s ability for employment, travel and education. On August 26, 1990, The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law. But do we recall the protests of act 504?
This act provided employment to person to be employed regardless of their disability for federal funded programs. The Secretary of Health and Human Services didn’t endorse it as demanded by the April 4th deadline. Boycotts, sit ins, and protests were held nation wide. But the protest in San Francisco were different.
There, protester were organized and firm in their resolve to unite for all disabilities . Over one hundred fifty individuals stormed and occupied the federal building . A normal tactic to combat this type of protest is to cut the phone lines and not allow food, water or medicine for the protesters. The protesters were prepared for this. Members of the deaf community were able to use sign language to inform others outside the building of their needs. several other organizations such the Black Panthers, Grey Panthers, Salvation Army, and religious groups joined to deliver needed items as well as blankets to the buildings protesters. The sit in lasted until the end of the month. After two weeks members of the protesters traveled to Washington to meet with members of Congress and the news media to push for the adoption of Act 504. This enactment in 1978 lead to the disable Act of 1990 that we celebrated on last Friday.
Who were the individuals responsible? Many were leaders in disability rights. Others were at the rally and joined the walk to occupy the federal building. They were diverse. But the groups that continued to protest and support the sit in were a larger groups from many walks of life. They were in wheel chairs, blind, deaf and had illness such M S, mental and cognitive issues. Or their family members did. They were not asking for charity but an equal chance for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
In this time of differences may we remember the past and look to the future for a better life for all.
*** Poem

Future Generation
I see the future in my daughter’s eyes.
who doctors stated,”She won’t live a year.”
Outlasting their dire predictions.
A loving and accomplished woman, daughter and wife.
I thank God for the gift
of you in our lives.
Happy Birthday Ruth.
carolaspot@aol.com July 29, 2024