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Chapter 3: Disability Activism and the Rights of People with Mental Disorders

  • Page ID
    327680
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    Learning Objectives

    The following learning objectives tell you what is most important in this chapter. Use these statements as a guide to make sure you get the most out of this chapter.

    1. Identify laws and court decisions that reflect changing values in American society and shape the treatment of people who experience a range of disabilities, including mental disorders.
    2. Discuss the role of activism in establishing and expanding the legal rights of people with disabilities, including people with mental disorders, in the United States.
    3. Describe how the Americans with Disabilities Act and other key legislation may apply in the criminal justice system.
    4. Discuss government and private enforcement of the rights of people with disabilities, particularly mental disorders, in the criminal justice system.
    • 3.1: Chapter Learning Objectives and Overview
      This page discusses the evolving legal rights of individuals with disabilities, focusing on mental disorders and key legislation like the ADA. It highlights significant court cases, such as Lois Curtis's case, and emphasizes the role of activism in advocating for rights across education, healthcare, and criminal justice systems. The chapter also addresses the ongoing challenges this population faces due to societal barriers.
    • 3.2: Overview of Federal Disability Law
      This page outlines the historical evolution of mental health treatment, transitioning from institutionalization to deinstitutionalization, influenced by social activism and legislative reforms like the Community Mental Health Act and Section 504. It details the development of disability rights laws, including the ADA and IDEA, which promote non-discrimination and access to education and housing.
    • 3.3: The Americans with Disabilities Act
      This page covers the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, a pivotal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities across public life. It outlines the ADA's five titles, which ensure equal opportunities in employment, transportation, and services, while advocating for reasonable accommodations. The 2008 amendments expanded the definition of disabilities, including serious mental illnesses.
    • 3.4: The ADA in the Criminal Justice System
      This page discusses the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II on the criminal justice system, focusing on non-discrimination for individuals with disabilities in policing, court procedures, and prison treatment. It mandates reasonable accommodations to ensure equal participation in the justice process for disabled individuals, including victims, witnesses, and employees.
    • 3.5: Government Enforcement of Disability Rights
      This page discusses the role of the U.S. Department of Justice in enforcing individual rights, particularly under the ADA and for individuals with mental disorders. The DOJ's Civil Rights Division combats discrimination through investigations and lawsuits, highlighting systemic failures in the criminal justice system, as seen in cases like M.G. v. Cuomo.
    • 3.6: Individual Enforcement of Civil Rights
      This page examines civil rights lawsuits' significance in addressing violations linked to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), focusing on individual actions against government entities in criminal justice scenarios. It explores challenges in proving constitutional claims, referencing pivotal cases like Olmstead v. L.C., which affirmed the right to community living and deemed institutional confinement based on disability discriminatory.
    • 3.7: Chapter Summary
      This page covers the legal progress in safeguarding the rights of individuals with disabilities through key laws like Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the ADA. It emphasizes efforts to combat discrimination and promote equal access in education, housing, and justice. Activism's role in advancing these rights is discussed, alongside landmark cases like Olmstead v. L.C. The page also defines essential terms related to disability rights to enhance comprehension of the topic.
    • 3.8: References
      This page outlines resources on the history and impact of disability rights in the U.S., centering on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. It features important legal cases, influential figures, and civil rights movements that have influenced the disability rights arena. The content underscores persistent challenges and the importance of advocacy to secure fair treatment and protections for individuals with disabilities in areas like healthcare, education, and criminal justice.


    This page titled Chapter 3: Disability Activism and the Rights of People with Mental Disorders is shared under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Anne Nichol (Open Oregon) .