Disability History Week Passed in State Legislature

The recently completed session of the state legislature saw New York State officially recognize the history of people with disabilities. By unanimous votes in both the Assembly and the Senate, New York State will recognize the third week in October as New York State Disability History week. The legislation, introduced by Assembly Mark J.F. Schroeder at the request of People Inc’s Museum of disABILITY History states, “it is desirable that state post secondary institutions promote activities that provide education, awareness, and understanding regarding people with disabilities, and the disabilities rights movement, through school curriculum, school assemblies and other school activities.”

The progress of state legislative activity surrounding the establishment of a Disability History Week/ Month has been tracked since the signing of West Virginia’s House Bill 4491 on April 3, 2006. Florida and North Carolina are close to having a bill passed and other states are moving forward in the form of a bill or request to ask their governor to memorialize – as New York State did. Among them are Connecticut, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Iowa, Michigan Washington, Idaho, and Kentucky.

“We are excited about the opportunity to inform our youth about the history of people with disabilities,” said Dr. James Boles, President and CEO of People Inc and the founder of the Museum of disABILITY History. “The state legislature under the leadership of Assemblymember Schroeder, have created an opportunity for us to inform the young minds of this state about the history of the disabled – how they have were treated to the advancements they have made.”

Reporter’s note: The adjacent article on the website funded by the Thomas Golisano foundation www.museumofdisabilityhistory.org, provides detailed information on disability history.