Denver Protest in 1978 Catalyzed the Disability Rights Movement Leading to ADA
In July 1978, a group of activists known as the 'Gang of 19' staged a protest in Denver, Colorado, demanding accessible public transportation for people with disabilities. This protest was a pivotal moment in the disability rights movement, which eventually led to the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 36 years ago. The protest involved stopping traffic to draw attention to the lack of accessible public transit options, highlighting the broader struggle for civil rights for individuals with disabilities. The story of this protest and its impact on the disability rights movement was explored in a recent episode of NPR's 'The Sunday Story,' featuring insights from Joseph Shapiro and Stephanie Wolf.