disability-history-timeline-2013

Legislation and policyThe Act also gives disabled people theright to equal access to recreational andeducational facilities, including help withtravel. Councils have a duty to provideeducational facilities for children who areboth blind and Deaf, later extended toinclude autism and dyslexia.Buildings open to the public are requiredto provide parking and toilet facilities fordisabled people. Disabled driver badgesfor cars are introduced with exemptionsfor parking and other access.However the Act is seen by its critics asgiving even greater power to professionalsand medical specialists.1981The United Nations designates 1981 as‘The International Year for Disabled People’.Disabled people do not play a large part inmost of its key events.Their response is to challenge the ‘for’of the Year and insist on the ‘of’ aimingat self-organisation. Disabled People’sInternational is formed this year and nowhas consultative status with the UnitedNations.1983The Mental Health Act reduces the lengthof compulsory orders, narrows definitionsof mental impairment, and requiresconsent to treatment three months afteradmission.1986The Disabled Persons Act strengthensthe provisions of the Chronically Sick andDisabled Persons Act 1970 and requireslocal authorities to meet the various needsof disabled people.14