disability-history-timeline-2013

Legislation and policy1930The Mental Treatment Act brings inthe concept of voluntary patients andrecommends out-patient clinics andobservation wards.1944The Disabled Persons (Employment)Act sets up a quota system requiringemployers with 20 or more employeesto ensure that at least 3% of theirworkforce are disabled people.1944The Education Act concedes thatmainstream schools are likely to be themost appropriate environment in whichto teach disabled children.1946The National Insurance (Industrial Injuries)Act paves the way for the payment ofcompensation not just for loss of earningsbut also for loss of ‘faculty’ attributed toindustrial accident or prescribed disease.1959The Mental Health Act abolishes thedistinction between psychiatric and otherhospitals and encourages the developmentof community care.1970The Local Authority Social Services Actcreates a single social services departmentin each local authority area in England andWales. The departments are responsiblefor domestic help, meals and recreationservices, registration of independent,residential homes and social work support.1970The Chronically Sick and Disabled PersonsAct, introduced by North West MP AlfMorris, is the first in the world to recogniseand give rights to disabled people. Localauthorities are given the responsibilityof providing welfare services, housing,practical assistance for people in theirown homes, meals (provided at home orcommunity centres) and adaptations topeople’s homes.13