Overview of The Disability Rights Movement

The Disability Rights Movement began in the United States during the 1970s, to promote legislation and organizations that would help to ensure that disabled individuals were granted the same rights as other individuals. Since, many countries have instated legislation outline the rights of disabled individuals. Organizations, such as the Disability Rights Commission, have been established in various locations throughout the world, to advocate disability rights and provide disabled individuals with vital assistance.

Today, in most countries, disabled individuals possess the same rights as all citizens. For example, in the United States, the United Kingdom, and many other locations, disabled individuals have the right to access goods and services, including stores, restaurants, and other public locations. Therefore, public buildings must provide entrances that are accessible to individuals with suffering from disabilities. This can be achieved by installing wheelchair ramps or wheelchair lifts.

In addition, disabled individuals have the right to rent or purchase property and to obtain employment. It is illegal for individuals, including employers and financial lenders, to discriminate against disabled individuals. In many cases, disabled individuals also have the right to receive disability benefits or a disability allowance. This is a type of financial assistance that provides disabled individuals with the funds necessary to support themselves. In some instances, disabled individuals will not be able to work due to their condition.

Disability benefits provide these individuals with the ability to purchase necessities and acquire needed assistance. In the United Kingdom, the Disability Rights Commission was established to investigate, amend, and enforce disability rights legislation. The Disability Rights Commission, like many similar organizations throughout the world, works to ensure that disabled individuals are treated equally.

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