Teaching Children about the contributions of particular populations to our nation's history such as women and people of various ethnic backgrounds has been recognized as important throught the declaration of dedicated months as well as other educational program. Disability history, however, has been largely ignored in school curricula. This is particularly paradoxical since anyone, regarless of age, race or heritage, may become a part of the population of people with disabilities at any time.

The youth-led movement for equal education on disability history scored its first victory with the establishment of the third week in October as "Disability History Week" in West Virginia. Other states soon followed.

Join us in asking California's legislators to declare Disability History Week in October so that all California students can learn about disability history, the independent living movement and disability rights.