Disability rights movement

Definition

The disability rights movement is a social and political campaign advocating for the equal rights and opportunities of people with disabilities. This movement seeks to eliminate discrimination and promote accessibility in all aspects of life, including education, transportation, and especially employment. By emphasizing the need for workplace accommodations and inclusive policies, the movement has significantly influenced how society views and treats individuals with disabilities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The disability rights movement gained momentum in the 1960s and 1970s, paralleling other civil rights movements, and was marked by significant protests and activism.
2. Key achievements of the movement include the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, which set forth legal protections against discrimination.
3. Workplace accommodations under the ADA can include things like flexible work hours, assistive technology, or changes to job duties to support employees with disabilities.
4. The movement has highlighted the importance of inclusion in the workforce, arguing that diverse teams benefit everyone by bringing different perspectives and experiences.
5. Ongoing efforts in the disability rights movement aim to raise awareness about the barriers people with disabilities face and advocate for policy changes at local, state, and national levels.

Review Questions

• How did the disability rights movement influence employment policies for individuals with disabilities?
  • The disability rights movement significantly shaped employment policies by advocating for laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination based on disability. It emphasized that workplaces must provide reasonable accommodations to ensure that individuals with disabilities can participate fully in the workforce. This advocacy has led to greater awareness among employers about the importance of inclusive hiring practices and the value of diverse perspectives within teams.
• What are some examples of workplace accommodations that can be provided under the principles of the disability rights movement?
  • Workplace accommodations can vary widely depending on individual needs but can include adjustments such as flexible work hours to accommodate medical appointments or fatigue levels. Other examples include providing assistive technologies like screen readers or specialized equipment for those with mobility impairments. The goal is to remove barriers that prevent employees from performing their jobs effectively while fostering an inclusive work environment.
• Evaluate the impact of the social model of disability on the goals of the disability rights movement in relation to employment.
  • The social model of disability has profoundly influenced the goals of the disability rights movement by shifting focus from viewing disability as an individual limitation to understanding it as a societal issue. This perspective advocates for systemic changes in employment practices, arguing that workplaces should adapt to accommodate diverse abilities rather than expecting individuals to conform to rigid standards. By promoting an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive, this model supports broader goals of equity and accessibility in employment for people with disabilities.

Related terms

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): A landmark piece of legislation enacted in 1990 that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various areas, including employment, public services, and transportation.

reasonable accommodation: Adjustments or modifications provided by an employer to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their job duties effectively.

social model of disability: A perspective that views disability as a societal issue resulting from the interaction between individuals and their environment, rather than solely as a medical condition.