Black and white photograph of wheelchair from behind

Activism & Seeking Equality: ABLED (1970-1989)

  • “New club for disabled students,” The Daily Collegian, December 12, 1975

In the midst of waves of civil and employment rights legislation of the 1970s and 1980s seeking to reconcile historical systematic disenfranchisement, universities became increasingly more attractive for individuals with disabilities. These students were greeted by a climate of marginalization in which living, working and learning was impeded by a host of challenges such as, inaccessible buildings, community perceptions, a lack of learning accommodations and academic advising which resulted in many students entering degree programs seeking careers that proved to be incompatible with the individual’s disability. 

 In 1975, fostered by frustration over physical and attitudinal barriers to the academic success of handicapped and disabled students, Carol Roush, a Career Development and Placement Counselor was motivated to create a mechanism for positive impact on the student experience at Penn State. Her efforts would evolve and become the student organization the Association for Barrier-free Living, Environment and Design (ABLED). Even with periods of limited membership, ABLED focused on advancing the needs of disabled students with administration and creating discourse across campus, to recognize that prioritization and integration of accessibility and accommodations, enabling students with a handicap or disability opportunity to make greater contributions to the Penn State Community. The legacy of ABLED includes outreach and activism that challenges the environment and culture that unfortunately promoted exclusion of disabled students on campus.

“New club for disabled students,” The Daily Collegian, December 12, 1975

“’ABLED,’ Residential Life adapting PSU to needs of handicapped,” The Daily Collegian, September 8, 1978

ABLED flyer and questionnaire, 1983, General Vertical Files: Students, 389

“Disability Awareness Day,” advertisement, The Daily CollegianApril 22, 1981

“CAP disability week,” advertisement, The Daily Collegian, April 5, 1982

Wheelchair Day photograph, 1980, Photographic Vertical Files, Academics and Research, 1149