This Month in Disability Rights History: May 2025

The month of May has seen many milestones in the fight for disability rights. From historic court decisions and legislative victories, global advocacy efforts, and the celebration of disability leadership across sports, education, and society, May has it all!

Birth of Tanni Grey-Thompson (May 26, 1945)

Tanni Grey-Thompson, born on May 26, 1945, became one of the most decorated Paralympians in history, winning 16 Paralympic medals for the United Kingdom. Beyond her athletic achievements, she emerged as a powerful advocate for accessibility, public transportation rights, and political representation for disabled people. Her leadership demonstrated how disabled voices can reshape public policy, not just in sports but across all sectors of society.

Brown v. Board of Education Decision (May 17, 1954)

On May 17, 1954, the United States Supreme Court issued its landmark ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, declaring that “separate but equal” education systems were unconstitutional. While this decision was primarily focused on racial segregation, it set a vital legal precedent that would later be applied to disability rights cases. Advocates for students with intellectual disabilities would use Brown’s principles to argue that exclusion from public education based on disability was similarly discriminatory and unconstitutional.

May 5, 1975, New York Governor Hugh Carey signed the Willowbrook Consent Decree

This court-approved decree mandated that Willowbrook’s thousands of residents be given better care and that many be moved out into smaller community homes. It signaled a broader shift from institutionalization to community-based services. The Willowbrook settlement became a catalyst for deinstitutionalization efforts across the U.S., affirming that people with intellectual disabilities have the right to live in humane conditions and in community settings rather than in large, segregated institutions. Willowbrook itself was gradually depopulated and finally closed in 1987 as a direct result of the decree and the public outcry that fueled it. The legacy of this May 1975 milestone is a greater emphasis on community living, oversight, and the protection of residents’ rights in care facilities worldwide.

Americans with Disabilities Act Passage – May 22, 1990

In the late 20th century, disability rights advanced into the realm of comprehensive civil rights law. A key development was the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States – the first broad civil rights law prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities (including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities). After years of advocacy and drafting, the ADA was introduced in Congress in 1989 and gained bipartisan support. On May 22, 1990, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the ADA bill, following an earlier Senate approval. This May legislative action was one of the final hurdles before the ADA became law (it was signed by President George H.W. Bush in July 1990). The ADA’s enactment was a watershed moment: it guaranteed equal rights and accessibility in employment, government services, public accommodations, and telecommunications. For people with ID/DD, the ADA has meant greater inclusion in the workforce and the community, protection from discrimination due to cognitive disabilities, and increased public awareness of necessary accommodations. Internationally, the ADA also inspired other countries to craft similar anti-discrimination laws, underscoring this event’s global impact on disability rights policy.

Reauthorization of IDEA (May 5, 1997)

On May 5, 1997, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was reauthorized with major reforms that directly impacted students with intellectual disabilities. The reauthorization emphasized the importance of including students with disabilities in general education classrooms whenever possible, known as the “least restrictive environment” principle. It also introduced mandatory transition services, helping students plan for life after school with goals in employment, education, and independent living. These changes marked a shift toward a stronger, more person-centered education system.

First National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (May 4–10, 1997)

In early May 1997, President Bill Clinton proclaimed the first National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, bringing national attention to the emotional and developmental needs of children — including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The initiative highlighted the importance of early support and coordinated services, particularly for youth experiencing overlapping challenges. It underscored the growing need for inclusive mental health care, which remains a crucial part of the disability rights landscape today.

First Global Day of Families with Disabilities (May 15, 2002)

On May 15, 2002, the United Nations celebrated the First Global Day of Families with Disabilities, recognizing the critical role families play in advocating for and supporting people with disabilities. The event called for more inclusive services, expanded healthcare access, and stronger social protections for families supporting loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It brought global visibility to the unique challenges faced by these families and emphasized the importance of community support and systemic change.

UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – May 3, 2008

One of the most significant international milestones for disability rights occurred in May 2008. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) – a landmark treaty that enshrines the rights of persons with disabilities – officially entered into force on May 3, 2008. The CRPD had been adopted by the UN General Assembly in late 2006 and rapidly gained signatories around the world. By reaching the required 20 ratifications in early 2008, the treaty became legally binding in those countries as of May 3. The CRPD is the first global agreement to comprehensively affirm the human rights of people with disabilities, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and to promote their full inclusion in society. It outlines rights to equality, accessibility, education, employment, independent living, and freedom from abuse, among others, and it obligates governments to eliminate discrimination and uphold dignity and autonomy for persons with disabilities. The May 2008 commencement of the CRPD marked a new era of international commitment to disability rights – it has since been ratified by the majority of UN member states, harmonizing laws and inspiring reforms worldwide to align with its standards. For people with ID/DD, the CRPD’s influence has been seen in stronger advocacy for community inclusion, supported decision-making (instead of guardianship), accessible information, and equal recognition before the law on a global scale.

Publication of DSM-5 (May 18, 2013)

On May 18, 2013, the American Psychiatric Association released the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), which fundamentally changed how autism was diagnosed. By consolidating several previous diagnoses into the broader category of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the DSM-5 aimed to create greater diagnostic clarity. However, it also sparked significant conversations within the autism community about identity, belonging, and the impact of erasing distinctions like Asperger’s Syndrome. The release continues to influence how autism is understood, treated, and discussed in research and society today.