The Acorn People

The Acorn People was written when disability rights in the US were still emerging. Though disability activist organizations have existed since the 1800s, many landmark decisions in American law weren’t made until the late 20th century, such as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its subsequent amendment in 2008. Before this, the League of the Physically Handicapped was organized in the 1930s to ensure employment amid the Great Depression, and the We Are Not Alone coalition sought to help psychiatric patients transition to life outside the hospital in the 1940s. The National Association for Retarded Children, which arose in the 1950s, grew massively during the following decade amid the fight to find alternative forms of care and education for children. In these decades, Presidents Truman and Kennedy, in particular, pushed forward legislation supporting people with disabilities and mental health conditions.

In the 1970s, direct action in support of disability rights increased sharply, specifically as a result of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Numerous sections were added throughout the decade, and The Acorn People was published shortly after the passing of Section 504. This act largely ensured fair hiring practices and treatment in the workplace for people with disabilities. Implementation, however, saw delays and concerns that a review board created by President Carter would weaken its protections; in response, the American Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities held a weeks-long sit-in at federal buildings in 10 cities to press for a response, and they succeeded: The regulations were approved and signed, marking a huge victory for disability rights.

The 1975 Education of All Handicapped Children Act was also passed during this time, guaranteeing children with disabilities the right to public school education and demonstrating the powerful momentum created by activist groups. Overall, the US government passed more than 50 pieces of legislation between the 1960s and the ADA in 1990.