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History and Trends

black and white image of person in a wheelchair making shadow puppets against a screen
Harry Taylor, "Wheelchair Follies" (2)
The signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 transformed the lives of persons with disabilities. After years of personal struggle, our country recognized the rights of all people despite their limitations. Before the law, people with disabilities were often denied the chance to take part in public life. In 1990, the law ensured equal access to public places, telephone services, employment and transportation. Society finally had become sensitive to the needs of everyone.People with disabilities are taking their rightful place within public life. Their experience forms an important part of our country's culture and history.


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Art, Disability & Expression Home | Exhibit Foreword | History and Trends | Disability Culture | Art as Cultural Representation | Artists with Disabilities | History of Disabling Images | Disability as Content | Artists' Methods and Materials | Conclusion | Image List | Bibliography | Related Links | VSA arts Gallery | About VSA arts | VSA arts Home

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