Understanding Disability and Advocacy

The speaker shares their journey from contracting polio as a child to becoming a key figure in the Disability Rights Movement. They discuss the challenges faced in accessing education and employment due to discrimination and inaccessibility. The speaker highlights their legal battle to obtain a teaching license and the broader fight for disability rights, including the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. They emphasize the importance of advocacy and the global impact of disability rights legislation.

What was the initial reaction of some neighbors to the speaker's polio diagnosis?

• They offered support and assistance.

• They provided medical advice.

• They avoided the family due to fear of contagion.

• They organized community fundraisers.

What was the speaker's experience with early education?

• They attended a regular school from the start.

• They were homeschooled by their parents.

• They received limited home instruction from the Board of Education.

• They were enrolled in a special needs school immediately.

What obstacle did the speaker face when trying to obtain a teaching license?

• Insufficient teaching experience.

• Inaccessible exam locations.

• Lack of educational qualifications.

• Language barriers.

How did the speaker respond to the discriminatory medical exam?

• They sought legal action against the Board of Education.

• They accepted the decision without protest.

• They moved to another state to get licensed.

• They decided to pursue a different career.

What movement did the speaker and others learn from to advocate for disability rights?

• The Environmental Movement

• The Labor Movement

• The Civil Rights Movement

• The Anti-War Movement

What was a key tactic used by activists to protest inaccessible public transportation?

• Petitioning the government.

• Blocking buses with wheelchairs.

• Boycotting public transport.

• Organizing large rallies.

What significant legislation was passed as a result of disability rights activism?

• The Americans with Disabilities Act

• The Fair Housing Act

• The Civil Rights Act

• The Voting Rights Act

What was a notable action taken by activists to support the ADA?

• Crawling up the Capitol steps.

• Marching on Washington.

• Organizing a nationwide strike.

• Holding a sit-in at the White House.

What is the purpose of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities?

• To fund disability research projects.

• To create a global network of disability advocates.

• To establish international standards for disability rights.

• To provide financial aid to disabled individuals.

What does the speaker encourage the audience to do regarding disability rights?

• Speak up for justice and work together for change.

• Rely on government action alone.

• Focus solely on local issues.

• Ignore the issue as it doesn't affect everyone.