This Month in Disability Rights: March 2025

March has been a pivotal month in disability rights history, marked by landmark events, groundbreaking publications, and powerful advocacy efforts. From legal victories to cultural milestones, these moments have shaped the ongoing fight for equality and inclusion.

1932: Birth of Justin Dart Jr. (March 29)

Justin Dart Jr., a charismatic leader in the disability rights movement, played a critical role in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). He traveled across the U.S., collecting stories from disabled people to present to Congress, amplifying their voices and emphasizing the need for systemic change. His advocacy helped shape policies that promoted accessibility, inclusion, and civil rights for people with disabilities.

1961: Gallaudet University Admits First Black Deaf Students

Gallaudet University, the world’s only university for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students, admitted its first Black Deaf students in 1961. This milestone addressed racial disparities within the Deaf community and marked a step toward greater inclusivity. The integration of Black Deaf students helped pave the way for broader discussions about intersectionality, race, and disability within higher education and the Deaf rights movement.

1977: Wolf Wolfensberger Publishes Normalization (March 9)

Wolf Wolfensberger published Normalization: The Principle of Normalization in Human Services, a groundbreaking text that advocated for deinstitutionalization and the right of people with disabilities to live as part of mainstream society. His work introduced the idea that disabled people should have access to the same conditions, rights, and opportunities as others, a principle that heavily influenced disability policy and service provision. His ideas shaped the disability rights movement, promoting person-centered services and fostering a greater understanding of inclusion.

1987: Establishment of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (March)

In 1987, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to increase public awareness of the needs and potential of Americans with developmental disabilities. This observance encourages opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to lead productive lives and achieve their full potential.

1988: Deaf Mosaic TV Series Premieres

PBS premiered Deaf Mosaic, a television series that brought Deaf culture, history, and achievements to a national audience. The show played a significant role in breaking stereotypes and educating viewers about the rich experiences of the Deaf community. By showcasing stories of activism, language, and daily life, Deaf Mosaic helped bridge the gap between Deaf and hearing audiences, fostering awareness and appreciation of Deaf culture.

1990: Capitol Crawl (March 12)

As Congress debated the ADA, activists staged a dramatic protest by leaving their mobility devices and crawling up the steps of the U.S. Capitol. The demonstration symbolized the physical barriers disabled people faced daily and intensified public pressure to pass the ADA. Many of the protestors, including children, risked their health and safety to make a powerful statement about accessibility and equal rights. The Capitol Crawl is remembered as a defining moment in the disability rights movement.

1999: Olmstead v. L.C. Argued Before the U.S. Supreme Court (March 3)

Olmstead v. L.C. was a landmark case that challenged the segregation of people with disabilities in institutional settings. It was brought on behalf of two women with mental disabilities who had been confined in a state-run hospital despite being medically cleared for community-based care. The Supreme Court’s ruling, issued later that year, affirmed that under the ADA, people with disabilities have the right to receive services in the most integrated setting possible. The decision reinforced the importance of community-based support and independence, significantly advancing disability rights.

2006: Inaugural World Down Syndrome Day (March 21)

World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) was first observed on March 21, 2006. The date, the 21st day of the third month, signifies the triplication of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome. WDSD aims to raise public awareness and advocate for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of people with Down syndrome.

2012: First Disability Day of Mourning (March 1)

The inaugural Disability Day of Mourning vigil was held on March 1, 2012, organized by disability rights activist Zoe Gross. This annual event commemorates disabled people who have been murdered by their caregivers, bringing attention to the often-overlooked issue of filicide in the disability community. The day is observed with vigils across the world to honor the lives lost and advocate for change.

2014: Crip Lit Movement Launched

Disabled authors and activists, led by Alice Wong, launched the Crip Lit movement to promote authentic disability narratives in literature. This movement challenged tokenism in publishing and pushed for books that accurately reflect the diverse experiences of disabled people. By fostering a space for disabled writers, Crip Lit has increased representation in literature, encouraged mainstream publishers to embrace disabled voices, and empowered readers to engage with stories that reflect real, lived experiences.

2018: Launch of Neurodiversity Celebration Week (March 17–23)

Neurodiversity Celebration Week, founded in 2018 by Siena Castellon, is observed globally from March 17 to 23. This initiative challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences, promoting inclusive education and workplaces that recognize the strengths and talents of neurodivergent people.