The 1990 Capitol Crawl


The 1990 Capitol Crawl was a powerful protest that highlighted the barriers faced by people with disabilities and played a crucial role in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).


Overview of the Event
On March 12, 1990, over 1,000 disability rights activists marched from the White House to the U.S. Capitol to demand the passage of the ADA, which aimed to provide civil rights protections for individuals with disabilities. The event culminated in a dramatic act of civil disobedience known as the Capitol Crawl, where approximately 60 individuals abandoned their wheelchairs and crawled up the steps of the Capitol building. This act was intended to demonstrate the physical barriers that people with disabilities faced in accessing public spaces.

Significance of the Capitol Crawl
The Capitol Crawl served as a visual and emotional appeal to lawmakers, illustrating the urgent need for legislative change. Activists carried copies of the Declaration of Independence as they crawled, symbolizing their demand for equal rights and accessibility. The event garnered media attention, with images of children and adults with disabilities crawling up the Capitol steps making a lasting impact on public consciousness.

Impact on the Americans with Disabilities Act
The Capitol Crawl was instrumental in pushing Congress to take action on the ADA, which had been stalled in legislative discussions. The ADA was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990, marking a significant victory for the disability rights movement. The law mandated accessibility standards for public buildings and services, fundamentally changing the landscape for individuals with disabilities in the United States.

Personal Stories and Legacy
Among the participants was Jennifer Keelan, an eight-year-old activist who became a symbol of the movement. Her determination to crawl up the Capitol steps inspired many and highlighted the importance of youth involvement in advocacy. The Capitol Crawl remains a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for disability rights and the importance of accessibility in society.

The legacy of the Capitol Crawl continues to influence disability rights activism today, serving as a reminder of the power of collective action and the need for ongoing advocacy to ensure equal rights for all individuals, regardless of ability.
University of Wisconsin–Madison

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About Daniella-Jade Lowe

Hello, My name is Daniella Jade Lowe. I am a PURSUN researcher and I am working on marketing myself as an Accessibility Consultant. Journalism and Politics are my passion. I have a BA degree in History and Politics. What type of disability do you have? At birth, I was diagnosed with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus which are neurological conditions. As a result, I use a wheelchair for mobility. What is disability to you? The only disability is a bad attitude. I have a disability. It doesn’t completely define me; it just enhances me in a way which differentiates and strengthens me. My disability should be viewed as an ability: to see the world in a different way. I don’t really like the term because sometimes it indirectly implies someone is dysfunctional or helpless. The most important thing is to never make assumptions. Someone with a disability can be very, physically, fit and strong, highly intelligent and articulate. What has been your experience from the time you remember till now? - positive and negative experiences. My life as a wheelchair user has been generally okay. Wheelchair Accessibility is frustrating. I was teased a little in school. Other than that, life is great. How do you cope with: -daily activities - your disability, do you have times when you are down - people's reactions towards you. I have carers, a Social worker, District Nurses, a GP, and extended family in this country. I am also in contact with a local disability charity in Yorkshire. I also have a friendly landlord. How do you keep yourself motivated? I must stay organised and practice good time management. I also prioritise my plans. What is your word or advice - to those with disabilities? - to the society Don’t let people put you in a box. You have a voice, use it. 10. Tell us about your platforms if you have any- Blog: The View from Where I Sit Facebook: Daniella Jade Lowe Instagram: @daniellajadelowe/@theviewfromwheresitblog Thank you!