OVERVIEW OF THE DISABILITY MOVEMENT - HISTORY, LEGISLATIVE RECORD, AND POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS

This article presents a brief history and legislative record of the di sability movement, along with their political implications. Beginning with the mid-nineteenth century efforts of Samuel Gridley Howe, the hi story of disability policy is reviewed. The impact of the field of eug enics is assessed. Notable achievements of the disability movement ove r the last two decades are presented, culminating in the Americans wit h Disabilities Act. The basic paradigm of disability policy is present ed. The political and policy implications facing the disability moveme nt are discussed.