Disability History as Empowerment
Reform to Equal Rights traces evolving struggles across two centuries by people with disabilities for necessary resources for life and work, services, and political and civil rights. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based student investigation of policy, culture, media, social change, and activism, always emphasizing the actions, experiences, and voices of people with disabilities. Nearly 250 primary sources support inquiry. The curriculum highlights opportunities throughout for students to participate in inclusive civic engagement projects. Lessons integrate with common content: reformers, impacts of wars, immigration, changing roles of government, social movements, and civic engagement. Read about the curriculum principles and design process at Developing a K-12 Disability History Curriculum.
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Acknowledgments
Thanks to project historian, Graham Warder, the Easterseals Massachusetts #TeachDisabilityHistory campaign group, and the rest of the project advisory committee. Emerging America is grateful to Laurie Block, Graham Warder, and other creators of the Disability History Museum.
Two lessons introduce disability history and examine the impacts and flaws of the eugenics movement. Adapt a grades 4-5 lesson on immigration and disability.