A camp for people with disabilities in the 70s inspired many to fight for change which would ultimately lead to the American Disability Act
The 2020 documentary Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution offers a wonderful insight into how the freedom offered at a summer camp shaped the future of disability access – especially in the United States.
The documentary was nominated for an Academy Award for best documentary and won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Documentary and a Peabody Award for Documentary.
Spoilers
The documentary follows the lives of several people with disabilities who attended Camp Jened in the 1970s. The camp, started in the 50s, offered people with disabilities a breakaway with a sense of freedom that was novel at the time.
Campers could be themselves, share their experience, participate in activities, play sports, pursue romance and enjoy their youth.
At the time, there were little to no resources for people with disabilities to participate in the greater society. They were often ignored, isolated or institutionalised.
James LeBrecht, a Camp Jened alumni, shares at the start of the documentary how he was encouraged to be outgoing as a child. His father said that he would need to approach others as no one would approach him.
Another alumni, Steven Hofmann, notes in the documentary (footage taken from his time at the camp in the 70s): “If you’re a handicapped person and you happen to have a passive nature about you, you’re really screwed.”
For many, the camp opened their eyes to what their lives might look like. James says: “What we saw at that camp was that out lives could be better. The fact of the matter is that you don’t have anything to strive for if you don’t know it exists.”
The camp shaped the lives of the people who attended with many seeking a similar freedom in their lives thereafter. Of course, societal attitudes and physical barriers remained a big obstacle.
Alumni Judith Heumann took lead in a big way by starting Disable In Action and spearheading the 504 sit-in protest, which called for the signing of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 – the most important disability rights legislation at the time.
The protest lasted 24 days. It was horrifying to see the apathy with which the protesters were met by some. However, many came to the aid of the protestors by providing whatever assistance they could.
Even more inspiring was how the group of people with all different disabilities supported each other to help solve the problems they faced during the protest. The group’s strengths and weaknesses complimented each other.
While success was achieved, the legislation was signed and later the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) was passed, it was a hard and continuous battle.
One that continues today. As alumni Denise Jacobson shares: “You can pass a law, but until you change society’s attitudes, that law won’t mean much.”
Trigger warning
Sensitive viewers might want to take note of the unsettling footage of the Willowbrook State School exposé shared in the documentary.
The school was mismanaged, overpopulated and understaffed. In the short clip screened, children with severe disabilities are seen in a state of horrible neglect. This can be upsetting to viewers.
Thoughts
The documentary is a must watch. It takes an honest and open look at the lives of people with disabilities, the challenges that exist and the hard work it took for progress to take place. It is heart breaking to see the discrimination and apathy many face.
However, the documentary is also sure to inspire as viewers get insight into what is possible through passion, drive and unity. The stories shared are sure to stay with you.
Disability legislation in South Africa
Currently, there is no disability act in South Africa. Various disability rights are protected within other pieces of legislation. For example, physical access to buildings for people with disabilities is included in the National Buildings Regulations while employment equity is built into the Employment Equity Act. Unfortunately, there is little reinforcement on these clauses, which means that discrimination and exclusion is still prevalent.
In 2015, the White Paper on the Rights of People with Disabilities (WPRPD) was approved by government. A white paper is not enforceable law, but rather a policy framework that guides the introduction and implementation of any new policies and legislation. Thus, while the WPRPD is a step in the right direction, it is still very limiting.
Ari Seirlis, a member of the Presidential Working Group on Disability, writes: “South Africa is seen as gold standard in human rights; however, people with disabilities do not enjoy the same experience. Discrimination still exists for people with disabilities.”