CBH Talk | Building Access: The History and Future of Disability Rights

The disability rights movement has transformed American life and expanded access, opportunity, and civil rights for millions of people. These hard-won gains are the result of decades of organizing, advocacy, and political struggle — and the fight for equality continues.

As part of Disability Pride Month, the Center for Brooklyn History hosts an illuminating panel on the history and ongoing efforts to bring equal access to schools, workplaces, transportation systems, and public spaces — and to reshape the very meaning of civil rights.

CBH Chief Historian Dominique Jean-Louis leads the discussion with former NYC Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities Commissioner Victor Calise, disability historian and activist Warren Shaw, and New York State Assemblymember and disability rights attorney Jo Anne Simon. Together, they explore the movement's landmark victories, the leaders who helped secure them, and the challenges that remain.

This program is offered in conjunction with the Center for Brooklyn History's exhibition "People Making Power," which highlights Congressman Major Owens's role in the passage of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act.