Defiant Lives Disability Rights Lesson

Defiant Lives Disability Rights Lesson

Lesson summary:

Students will watch “Defiant Lives: The Rise and Triumph of the Disability Rights Movement in the United States, England, and Australia.” It covers important milestones in disability activism, from breaking people out of nursing homes to advocating for equal rights. The discussion topics in the film vary from institutionalization to passing legislation. The film highlights in particular, the vast differences between the medical model of disability and the social model of disability. For 5 days, students will watch a segment of the film and record their own thoughts and then discuss their thoughts with a partner and the full group. The last two days students will work together to create their own plan to address an issue in their own community.

Subject and topic: 

Social Studies, Civics, Disability History

Grade level: 

9, 10, 11, 12

Duration: 

7 classes