Ableism/Blindness Timeline

By Macuserr

  • First School for the Blind Established

    First School for the Blind Established
    • The Perkins School for the Blind was founded in Massachusetts starting as the beginning of education for blind people in the U.S.
    • This event was crucial because it challenged the idea that blind people couldn’t get education. It provided a lot of opportunities for them to develop skills and be independent.
    https://www.perkins.org/our-history/#:~:text=Perkins%20School%20for%20the%20Blind%2C%20founded%20in%201829%2C%20was%20the,blind%2C%20visually%20impaired%20and%20deafblind.

  • First Raised Letter Books for the Blind

    First Raised Letter Books for the Blind
    • Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe started making books with raised letters as an effort to make literature for blind individuals.
    • This paved the way for reading systems like Braille.
    • Braille, who was not blind himself didn't live long enough to see the writing system he created become widely accepted. He suffered from tuberculosis and died in Paris in 1852. https://www.perkins.org/brailles-most-famous-book/

  • Introduction of Braille in the U.S.

    Introduction of Braille in the U.S.
    • Although Louis Braille developed his tactile system in 1829, it wasn't officially introduced to the United States until 1860, when a member of the Missouri School for the Blind's board of directors brought it to the school
    • The development of Braille literacy programs allowed blind individuals to communicate and access education more effectively.

  • Randolph-Sheppard Act

    Randolph-Sheppard Act
    • This law gave blind people priority to operate vending stands in federal buildings giving them job opportunities.
    • It was a major step in employment rights for blind people giving them economic independence and recognizing their ability to work.
    https://rsa.ed.gov/program/rand-shep

  • Formation of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB)

    Formation of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB)
    • The NFB was established as a leading advocacy group for blind individuals focusing on equal rights and fighting discrimination.

  • Rehabilitation Act

    Rehabilitation Act
    • This was the first federal civil rights law protecting people with disabilities and blindness from discrimination in federally funded programs.
    • This paved the way for future disability rights laws making sure blind individuals had access to education and employment opportunities.

  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

    Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
    • The ADA required businesses, public spaces, and employers to provide accommodations for people with disabilities also those who are blind.
    • This law improved accessibility making sure blind individuals could get through public spaces and workplaces without discrimination.

  • Currency Redesign for Accessibility

    Currency Redesign for Accessibility
    • The U.S. government began adding tactile features and different sized numerals to paper currency to help blind individuals distinguish bills.

  • 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act

    21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act
    • Required modern technology, including smartphones and TV programming, to be accessible for blind individuals with features like screen readers and audio descriptions.
    • This act recognized the importance of technology in daily life and ensured blind individuals weren’t left behind in the digital age.

  • U.S. Department of Justice Reinforces Web Accessibility

    U.S. Department of Justice Reinforces Web Accessibility
    • he DOJ clarified that websites and mobile apps must be accessible under the ADA making sure blind individuals could use digital platforms with screen readers.
    • This was an important move in making sure they have equal access to online services, education, and employment.