In the past, people with disabilities of all ages were shut away and ignored, cast off by families and society, or ridiculed because of their differences. 

Thankfully that is continuing to change due in part to significant changes in governing law. The Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA is thirty years old this year. It was a cornerstone piece of legislation that made a tremendous impact on the lives of people with disabilities. Like all cornerstones, it is a place to build.

Delaware Disability Hub is a transition website for youth with disabilities and has a comprehensive Disability Timeline starting in 400 B.C to the current time.  The 44-page timeline is viewable online or can be downloaded as a PDF. The language in the timeline is representative of the time.

We have come a long way from the dark ages of disabilities to current times yet, still have a way to go. When fears of difference are overcome and we view each other as differently-abled, humanity will have made great strides in accepting the disability community and all people.

Delaware Disability Hub is a special project of the GACEC.  For more information call 302-739-4553

October is Delaware Disability History and Awareness Month (DHAM). You may access information on DHAM on the GACEC website.

Individuals with disabilities have played a vital role in influencing our nation’s history. It is essential that we develop a spirit of acceptance of all people, in our students, particularly our young children. Governor Markell signed House Bill 123 on August 17, 2011, designating October as Disability History and Awareness Month. That bill encourages school districts across Delaware to implement activities to observe Disability History and Awareness Month. House Concurrent Resolution 33, passed in 2013, proclaimed the month of October to be “Disability History and Awareness Month” in Delaware.  The bill encouraged all Delaware childhood development centers and family-based pre-schools and childcare programs to provide instruction and events focusing on disability history, people with disabilities and the disability rights movement.

The Resource Guide outlines House Bill 123 Disability History and Awareness Month (DHAM). and was developed specifically for children.

On the GACEC website is a free downloadable version of the GACEC DEAP produced books, “All My Different Friends at School” and the “There’s Nothing to Fear” coloring book.  Daycare providers who call the GACEC will receive a softcover copy of “All My Different Friends at School” and the coloring book while supplies last.

If you have any questions on the information provided, please contact the GACEC at 302-739-4553