After a knee injury in August 1898, the Prince of Wales was labeled a "helpless, hopeless invalid." In that day, people with disabilities were shut away in homes or institutions.
In the summer of 2024, over 300 million people viewed the opening ceremonies of the Paralympic Games. The world watched 4,400 athletes, representing 180 international delegations, compete in 22 different sports.
In many ways, able-bodied society has accepted persons with disabilities as being equals. However, individuals and institutions still have a long way to go. People with mobility impairments need special parking spaces, but these are often taken by able-bodied drivers, despite hefty fines for such a violation. In some areas, people in wheelchairs cannot access a sidewalk because of an uncut curb. Sometimes even the precious right to vote is hampered by polling stations that are located in inaccessible buildings.
Beginning in the 1970s, federal and state laws have sought to level the playing field for people with mobility impairments.
New York journal and advertiser. (New York, NY), Aug. 14 1898. https://www.loc.gov/item/sn83030180/1898-08-14/ed-1/.
U.S. Air Force, Veterans with disabilities in Pittsburgh for wheelchair games, Published Aug. 1, 2011.
