The first psychiatric institutions emerged in the 15th century. Far from offering inclusive solutions, they perpetuated segregation and stigma. Later, at the dawn of the 20th century, the state began to play a more active role through a welfare-based approach, establishing special education centers. However, this perspective remained deeply paternalistic, reinforcing dependency and limiting the autonomy of persons with disabilities.

Persons with disabilities have historically faced physical, social, and political barriers that have hindered their full exercise of rights. Nonetheless, the 20th century marked a turning point in the fight for inclusion. One of the key figures in this movement was Judy Heumann, a tireless activist who dedicated her life to defending the rights of persons with disabilities.

Judy Heumann contracted polio in childhood and, like many others with disabilities at the time, encountered a system that relegated her to isolation. She was denied access to public school due to her use of a wheelchair, which led her to become a fervent advocate for the right to education and accessibility. Her determination enabled her to challenge and transform the system, making her one of the most influential leaders in the disability rights movement.

One of the pivotal moments in the history of activism was “Camp Jened,” a summer camp during the 1960s and 1970s, where young people with disabilities found a space to be themselves, free from society’s constraints. This camp became a meeting point and source of empowerment for many who would later become activists. In that environment, they shared experiences and began organizing to demand fundamental rights.

Judy Heumann channeled the energy of this movement into concrete action. In 1977, she led the historic protest in San Francisco to demand the enforcement of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which prohibited discrimination against people with disabilities in federally funded programs. Her leadership during the 26-day sit-in was instrumental in securing the first significant civil rights legislation for persons with disabilities in the United States, paving the way for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.

In Europe, from the second half of the 20th century onward, the first organized movements of persons with disabilities and their families began to emerge, advocating for their rights and a more active role in society. In Spain, a fundamental milestone was reached in 1982 with the approval of the Ley de Integración Social de los Minusválidos/ LISMI(Law on the Social Integration of the Disabled), now known as the Ley General de la Discapacidad (General Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities). This law established concrete measures for labor inclusion for the first time. The concept of disability underwent a profound transformation, moving away from a medical and paternalistic view toward a social model grounded in human rights.

Disability ceased to be seen as an individual problem to be «fixed» and began to be understood as a social issue. The true barrier is not the person with the disability, but rather a society that lacks accessibility, inclusion, and equity. In 2001, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced a definition of disability that marked a turning point, emphasizing that disability is not a static condition of the individual, but the result of the interaction between the person and an environment that inadequately responds to their needs.

This new approach leads us to recognize that persons with disabilities possess skills, competencies, and potential, but require the appropriate support to fully develop. The key lies not in passive assistance, but in creating genuine opportunities for participation and recognizing their rights as full citizens. Only through a structural transformation of society will genuine and effective inclusion be achieved.

Given that the Promoters Project promotes the employability of persons with disabilities in the open labor market, and acknowledging that access to employment is one of the fundamental pillars for achieving an independent and self-determined life, we would like to conclude this article by highlighting the right to equal access to employment.

In Spain, the law protects persons with disabilities by affirming their right to work and to receive dignified and equitable treatment. They must be entitled to the same training opportunities and the same prospects for career advancement. The law also prohibits discrimination and harassment. Public institutions and companies are obliged to adapt work environments and improve accessibility for employees with disabilities. In this regard, supported employment services may be implemented to ensure successful and sustainable job integration, both within the company and among teams and job tasks.