July is Disability Pride Month, celebrating the month the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed. Disability Pride Month is a time to honor disabled persons, reclaim visibility in public, and reject internalized ableism. We want to callout notable figures this month who have specifically contributed to disability awareness in education. Do you know of any other notable figures in special education? Let us know in the comments!
Frank B. Wilderson
Frank B. Wilderson, Jr. revolutionized special education, diversity, equity and inclusion, and mental health services for education. Along with Dr. John L. Johnson, Wilderson started Michigan’s first-ever Council for Exceptional Children Division focused on children with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) and taught the first special education class at the University of Minnesota. He also served as a leading influential force in advocating for diversity, equity, and mental health for students at the University of Minnesota.
Read more about Frank B. Wilderson Jr.
Evelyn Deno
Evelyn Deno was an activist in state and federal policies during the 1950s concerning the education of children with disabilities and was the first Director of Special Education for Minneapolis Public Schools. She played a crucial role in the passage of the groundbreaking Special Instruction for Handicapped Children of School Age (MN Statute 1957 131.081) Law, which required special education programs for “educable” students with disabilities. This law sparked similar state legislation across the country and ultimately resulted in the passage of the federal Education of All Handicapped Children Act, 1975.
Read more about Evelyn Deno.
Mary McEvoy
Mary McEvoy was a researcher and professor at Vanderbilt University focusing on effective practices for including students with disabilities in early childhood settings. She was also a board member for an advocacy program for adults with disabilities and in 1990, she joined the University of Minnesota’s College of Education and Human Development.
Read more about Mary McEvoy.
Happy Disability Pride Month!
Disabled persons often feel unseen in a society designed for abled bodies. Through this month, and the rest of the year, let’s dedicate ourselves to advocate for a world that is accessible and accepting for all persons. These three influential educators helped revolutionize special education, but the work is not finished! Do you know of any other notable figures in special education? Let us know in the comments!
For more posts on Disability Pride Month, check out our blog series from last year on accessibility.
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