Dr. Steven Noll: Lessons from the Disability Rights Movement—Past, Present, and Future (Part 2)

The Independent Life

In this riveting continuation of The Independent Life, Tony and Dr. Steven Noll dive straight into the profound intersections of the disability rights movement with other civil rights struggles of the 1970s. They explore how people with disabilities fought for equality, accessibility, and independence, drawing inspiration from movements led by African Americans, women, and Native Americans while facing unique challenges of their own.

Dr. Noll shares the story of the iconic Capitol Crawl, a moment that galvanized the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. With wheelchair users dramatically crawling up the U.S. Capitol steps, disability activists overcame public resistance and business pushback to demand the rights that many take for granted today. The discussion also unpacks the backlash faced by the movement, including paternalistic attitudes and the persistent belief that people with disabilities should be “grateful” for incremental progress.

Tony and Dr. Noll connect the historical fight for the ADA to ongoing threats against disability rights. From attempts to roll back accessibility laws to cuts in vital services, they emphasize the continued need for vigilance and advocacy. Dr. Noll urges listeners to find hope in small victories and to take action at the local level, where individual efforts can spark significant change.

This conversation provides an insightful and motivating call to action for everyone—whether you’re part of the disability community or an ally. Join Tony and Dr. Noll as they reflect on the lessons of history, the progress made, and the work still to be done to ensure a future where all people can live independent, empowered lives. This is more than a history lesson—it’s a call to action for everyone to be a part of the change.