Rhiannon Dancaster TED 504_0125

June 29TH, 2021 Cindy Sawchuck

The documentary opened my eyes to the
large sit-in that happened in 1977 for the
Section 504 Act. I never knew that there was
such a large demonstration to fight for the
rights of people with disabilities, so it was
very interesting to learn all about that sit-in. I
was incredibly inspired by the fact that so
many people put themselves into such
uncomfortable situations for so long, all
because they felt like they wouldn't be seen
or heard otherwise. It was great to see that
their efforts were successful, since the act
was actually signed into effect.
I noticed a quote from the documentary
that reminded me of one of our readings in
class. In the documentary, Denise Sherer
Jacobson said, "you can pass a law, but until
you change society's attitude, a law won't
mean much." This quote made me think of
the article "Attitudinal Barriers for People
with Disabilities," which focuses on the
negative attitudes and/or preconceived
notions that people have about people who
are disabled. Both the documentary and
the article strive to change how the world
views people with disabilities.

"When I have to be thankful about accessible bathrooms,

when am I ever going to be equal in the community?"

Judy Heumann

The documentary gave me many insights The visual I chose to represent the
and things to keep in mind during my documentary is a a simple graphic of
teaching, as well as reinforced some things I people linked together, showing that the
had already known. In my classroom, I want people with disabilities in the documentary
to be sure that I create a safe and accepting banded together to fight for their rights and
environment for everyone. During any were a powerful force as a whole.
history/civil rights movement unit in my
teaching, I hope to be able to incorporate
the sit-ins that people with disabilities did to
fight for their own rights. That would also
give children more of an understanding of
people who are disabled and the fight they
had to get to where they are today.

References:
Attitudinal Barriers for People with Disabilities. NCWD Youth. (2016, November 18). http://www.ncwd-
youth.info/publications/attitudinal-barriers-for-people-with-disabilities/.
Newnham, N. & LeBrecht, J. (Directors). (2020). Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution [Film]. Higher Ground Productions.