A People's History of Kansas City Bob Dole, the ADA, and the power of collective activism
Jul 16, 2025
Tamara Blackwell, Miss Wheelchair America 2024 and a passionate disability advocate, shares her journey with muscular dystrophy and the importance of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). She discusses how grassroots activism and figures like Bob Dole were crucial in passing this landmark law. The conversation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the disability community, the historical significance of key advocacy actions, and the vital role of collective activism in achieving equality and accessibility for all.
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Activists' Powerful Step Protest
- Activists demonstrated inaccessibility by physically pulling themselves up steps to demand access rights.
- This embodied protest highlighted the urgent need for the ADA and collective advocacy power.
Dole's Injury Shaped Advocacy
- Bob Dole's WWII injury shaped his empathy and drive to advocate for disability rights.
- His recovery was supported by his community, deeply influencing his public service.
Section 504's Civil Rights Groundwork
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act was a foundational civil rights clause for disabled people.
- It prohibited discrimination in federally funded programs, setting groundwork for the ADA.