Legislation Ushers in a New Era of Care for the Mentally Disabled Disability rights October 31, 1963 Washington, D.C. KEY FIGURES: (1909-1992), a Democratic representative from Arkansas (1910-1998), a Democratic [...]
Congress Passes The Americans with Disabilities Act Disability rights July 26, 1990 Washington, D.C. KEY FIGURES: (1939- ), a Democratic senator from Iowa, chief sponsor of the ADA in the [...]
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Harkin, Tom, 1939-, and Coelho, Tony
Abstract
In 1991, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that forty-three million Americans were living with some sort of physical or mental disability. For many years, such Americans were not assured of the basic rights afforded nondisabled people. They often suffered from discrimination when they attempted to do such simple things as get a job, see a movie, go out for dinner with family or friends, or rent an apartment. Frequently, disabled people were relegated to the status of second-class citizens.
Mental Retardation Facilities & Community Health Centers Construction Act of 1963 (U.S.), People with mental disabilities, and Mental health facility laws
Abstract
In the 1960’s, there were an estimated 5.4 million people in the United States who were mentally ill or mentally disabled in varying degrees. Developmentally disabled individuals for many years were not assured the basic rights afforded nondisabled people. People with mental disabilities and illnesses were relegated to the status of second-class citizens, and therefore few services were provided to aid in improving their daily lives. Nonetheless, many families of mentally disabled children continued to raise them in their own homes.
