This Month in Disability Rights History: November 2025

November is a great month for self-advocacy! From the founding of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network to one little girl changing the way our whole government discusses disability, we have much to discuss. Click on the video above to check it out!

“Rosa’s Law” introduced to the US Senate – November 17th, 2009

“Rosa’s Law”, which replaced the term “Mental retardation” with “intellectual disability” in federal language, was introduced to the senate on November 17th, 2009. The law was named after Rosa Marcellino, a 9-year-old girl with Down syndrome who worked with her family to have the same change applied in her home state of Maryland. The law represented a shift towards people-first language, as well as a repudiation of the offensive “r” word. It was signed into law in October of 2010.

Jimmy Carter Signs the Rehabilitation, Comprehensive Services, and Developmental Disabilities Amendments of 1978 – November 6th, 1978

President Jimmy Carter signed this law replacing the former Title IV of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 with a new Title IV. The change established an advisory council within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare called the National Council on the Handicapped, now known as the National Council on Disability (NCD). The act also helped define developmental disabilities for federal purposes, and extended the scope of services provided for people with developmental disabilities.

First “Autistics Speaking Day” is held – November 1st, 2010

In the grand tradition of self-advocacy within the disability community, Autistics Speaking day is a day where people with autism write articles & blog posts, and post videos, while encouraging those without autism to refrain from posting to amplify the posts of people with autism. Started by activist Corina Becker, the first Autistics Speaking Day involved over 500 participants, many of whom found it empowering. Autistics Speaking Day has been celebrated in the years since, always on November 1st.

Autistic Self Advocacy Network is founded in Washington DC – November 13th, 2006

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network, ASAN, is a non-profit organization run by and for people with Autism. They advocate for political and legal policy, create tools and educational resources, and provide leadership training for other people with disabilities. For any people who have autism or who share their lives with someone with autism, ASAN can be an invaluable resource to help navigate their lives day-to-day.