Freedom and Independence - Still needed for All

As we celebrate the independence and the freedom that men and women who serve our country fought to obtain for us (and who still fight to keep our freedoms secure), I am reminded of the men and women who have fought for freedom and independence for people with developmental disabilities. Parents, family members and friends, service providers and self advocates themselves fight for their right to live independently and in freedom in their community on a daily basis. Unfortunately, the battle just to obtain these freedoms is still ongoing. People with developmental disabilities continue to be put in institutions, community services need to be expanded, some still cannot easily access buildings in their community, and many feel as an outcast in a society that does not value them out of fear and ignorance.

The disability rights movement is similar to the civil rights movement for African Americans. As Rosa Parks fought for her seat on a bus as a black woman equal to a white woman, individuals with developmental disabilities have had to fight for their right to a seat on the bus equal to those without disabilities. Advocates for those with disabilities have had to fight for an education for their children alongside typical children, for housing and employment in the community and to try to negate the inaccurate stereotypes and assumptions made about them.

For years people with disabilities were sterilized in an attempt to keep them from creating more people who society felt had no worth. Parents were told when they gave birth to a child with a disability that they should shut them away in institutions. There they would end up being forgotten and society would not have to view their “defects”. The 1970s began to see a change in this thinking as parents and providers fought to keep these children at home or at least in their community. People with developmental disabilities and their families no longer see them as “broken” or needing to be fixed. Instead, they see a society that is broken and needs to be fixed in order to embrace all the gifts and talents these individuals have to offer.

The term developmental disabilities was first used in U.S. law in 1970, when Congress used it to describe individuals who were institutionalized, as it tried to improve conditions in those institutions (P.L. 91-517, “The Developmental Disabilities Services and Facilities Construction Act of 1970”). After a variety of amendments this law now says that they are entitled to full community inclusion and that self-determination is a right for people with developmental disabilities too (P.L. 106-402). People with disabilities deserve to have the same civil rights and control over choices in their lives as people without disabilities have. For more history go to http://www.ieccil.org/ and click on Independent Living History. For Washington State's history go to http://arcwa.org/history.htm

Here in Washington State, there are many noteworthy people who have fought for the freedoms of individuals with developmental disabilities. Janet Taggart, Cecile Lindquist, Katie Dolan and Evelyn Chapman, all mothers of children with developmental disabilities, insisted that their children would not be institutionalized, but instead had the right to a free and appropriate public education. In 1969 they began working on legislation that would allow just that. In 1971 Governor Dan Evans signed the “Education for All Act” into law. That law became the foundation for the Federal “Individuals with Disabilities Education Act” (IDEA). Katie and Janet also started “Troubleshooters” which became the “Washington State Protection and Advocacy”, the first of its kind and a model for the nation.

Across the country and around the world there have been many advocates fighting for freedom and independence for people with developmental disabilities. I think of the efforts of Justin Dart (founded Justice for All with other activists to defend against congressional attempts to weaken the ADA), Geraldo Rivera (did an expose on Willowbrook and the deplorable conditions there, then worked with John Lennon on a benefit concert for the children), Eunice Kennedy Shriver (started Special Olympics), Temple Grandin (adult with autism, world renowned livestock specialist and advocate for employment and independent living) just to name a very few of them. The list goes on and so does the need for strong advocates.

As you reflect on the freedoms you enjoy and the independence you cherish, remember that there are many individuals with developmental disabilities out there who need your help in advocating for changes that will allow them to have those same rights as well.

Until next time,
Diana Stadden


This week’s blog is written in memory of John Leoni, a life coach for adults with developmental disabilities who was tragically killed last week while riding his bicycle in Seattle. John brought individuals with developmental disabilities to meet their legislators in Olympia, knowing how important it was that their voices were heard. He had a master's degree in history, focusing on the developmental disabilities civil rights movement. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.