Disability Resources

Below are various resources on the history of disability, sorted by media type. Resources provided by Association of Higher Education And Disabilities (AHEAD)

• A Disability History of the United States, Kim Nielsen — This book draws on primary sources and social histories to reframe U.S. history through the lens of people with disabilities, emphasizing mass movements and everyday experiences rather than individual achievements.
• Black Disability Politics, Dr. Sami Schalk — Dr. Schalk examines the intersection of disability and Black activism, showing how disability issues have been central to Black political struggles from the 1970s onward, even though these efforts are often overlooked within the larger disability rights movement.

• "Nothing About Us Without Us": 16 Moments in the Fight for Disability Rights — A New York Times article that explores key milestones in the history of disability rights in the United States
• Lomax’s Martix: Disability, Solidarity, and the Black Power of 504 — A brief article highlights the pivotal role of the Black Panther Party and cross-movement solidarity during the longest peaceful occupation of a federal building in U.S. history
• The Movement for Disability Rights and Justice — A timeline from the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) that outlines key events in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the U.S. Disability Rights Movement
• When the ‘Capitol Crawl’ Dramatized the Need for Americans with Disabilities Act — A brief article summarizing the 1990 "Capitol Crawl" protest, bringing attention to the need for the Americans with Disabilities Act by showing the physical barriers people with disabilities faced, helping to catalyze the law’s passage.
• Deaf President Now History — In March 1988, Gallaudet University experienced a landmark event that led to the appointment of its first Deaf president, marking a significant victory for self-empowerment in the Deaf community

• Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution — An acclaimed documentary that chronicles the transformative experience of a summer camp that motivated a group of teens with disabilities to spark a movement for equality in the U.S
• Our Fight for Disability Rights – And Why We’re Not Done Yet — A TED Talk from the “Mother of Disability Rights,” Judith (Judy) Heumann, discussing the pivotal Section 504 sit-in and the ongoing work for disability justice
• The Gang of 19: ADA Movement — In 1978, a group of activists discarded their wheelchairs to block inaccessible city buses, igniting a long-standing campaign for disability rights in Colorado that resonated nationwide.
• Through Deaf Eyes — Explores nearly 200 years of Deaf life in America and presents various perspectives on what it means to be d/Deaf.

• Disability: A Parallel History — A three-part podcast series exploring disability history from ancient times to the early 21st century
• Section 504 at 50 Podcast Series: Foundations of the Disability Rights Movement — A special podcast series celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, featuring interviews with key figures in the Disability Rights Movement
• Disability History Association Podcasts — A collection of podcasts that features stories from students, researchers, teachers, curators, elders, and activists who share their perspectives on disability history

• Disability Rights and Independent Living Movement Project — An oral history project from the University of California, Berkeley, documenting the memories and experiences of leaders, participants, and observers of the 1960s and 1970s Disability Rights and Independent Living movements.