Final answer:
Historically, people with disabilities faced marginalization and limited opportunities. Legislation like the Rehabilitation Act and the ADA have been critical in providing equal rights and accessibility. Ongoing advocacy and education efforts seek to dismantle myths and further incorporate disability rights into society.
Step-by-step explanation:
People with disabilities have historically been marginalized, facing negative stereotypes and reduced access to social institutions. The struggle for equal rights and opportunities paralleled other minority groups, gaining momentum during the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Society often relegated individuals with disabilities to asylums or specialized institutions rather than integrating them into public schools, limiting their educational and subsequently employment opportunities.
Significant changes occurred with legislation like the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, which mandated federal programs to provide equal employment opportunities and required public spaces to be accessible to all. These acts addressed everyday challenges, such as the need for wheelchair ramps, Braille instructions, and accessible door levers, while striving to alter the perception of disabilities solely as physical impairments and recognizing the broader social limitations imposed.
In contemporary society, advocacy for people with disabilities is bolstered by a network of disability rights organizations. Education and awareness are continuously pursued to dispel the myths surrounding disabilities, especially the misconception that all disabilities are visible. Despite the prevalence of disabilities, stigma and reduced access to resources persist, highlighting the ongoing need for community engagement and systemic change.