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Dec 31, 1000
**Note About Timeline**
Many of the dates included may not have a specific day or month, but because of the website's format I had to include a day and month. The dates labeled as "Dec 31st" did not actually take place on Dec 31st. These notes are also labeled (MD) after the description. -
Improved Amputations
An English surgeon named Edward Alanson discovers a new way to amputate limbs that makes it less likely for the wounds to become infected. The amputations also began to heal at a faster rate. Because of his discovery, amputees had a higher life expectancy than before and could live a more active life. This is the first step towards understanding and including physically disabled people. (WD) Timeline. (n.d.). Retrieved July 15, 2016, from http://www.ncld-youth.info/index.php?id=61# -
First Disabled Olympian Medalist
George Eyser became the first disabled Olympian to compete in the Olympics. He competed in men's gymnastics and had an artificial leg. On October 29, Eyser won three gold, two silver, and one bronze medal. Madrigal, A. (2012, August 10). How a Guy With a Wooden Leg Won 6 Olympic Medals. Retrieved July 15, 2016, from http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2012/08/how-a-guy-with-a-wooden-leg-won-6-olympic-medals/260988/ -
The Smith-Sears Veterans Rehabilitation Act
Also referred to as the Soldier's Rehabilitation Act. This was the first major Act passed by Congress to provide services and programs for disabled veterans after WWI. WWI forced the United States Government to think more of how to help those veteran soldiers who served their country and were injured during their service. (WD) A Brief History of Legislation. (n.d.). Retrieved July 15, 2016, from http://rds.colostate.edu/history-of-legislation -
The Smith-Fess Act
Known as the Civilian Rehabilitation Act, formed after the Smith-Sears Veterans Rehabilitation Act. It created programs and provided services for all disabled Americans. The Federal Government granted funds to State Governments to provide "vocational guidance, training, occupational adjustment, prosthetics, and placement services for people with physical disabilities." (WD) A Brief History of Legislation. (n.d.). Retrieved July 15, 2016, from http://rds.colostate.edu/history-of-legislation -
Wheelchair Sports Begin
Considered the birth year of wheelchair sports. Many American veterans returning from WWII wished to stay active and participate in sports that they had been involved in before becoming disabled including basketball. The first international wheelchair competition was held in Stoke Mandeville Sports Centre in Ashbury England. (WD) McBride, A. (2016, May 12). A History and Background of Disability Sport. Retrieved July 15, 2016, from http://www.twu.edu/inspire/history-and-background.asp -
First Olympic Competition for Wheelchair Athletes
During the 1948 London Olympic Games, a man named Dr. Guttmann organized the Stoke Mandeville Games. This was the first competition for wheelchair athletes and included the following event: archery. There were 16 injured athletes that took part in the event. Paralympics History - History of the Paralympic Movement. (n.d.). Retrieved July 15, 2016, from https://www.paralympic.org/the-ipc/history-of-the-movement -
The First Paralympic Games
The 1960 Summer Rome Paralympics was the first Paralympics event in the world. It takes place every four years, like the Olympics, and included "400 athletes from 23 countries." (MD) Paralympics History - History of the Paralympic Movement. (n.d.). Retrieved July 15, 2016, from https://www.paralympic.org/the-ipc/history-of-the-movement -
Bob Hall Wheels the Boston Marathon
Bob Hall becomes the first wheelchair-bound competitor in the Boston Marathon, a highly competitive marathon in the United States. His action paved the way to include other disabled men and women in competitive sports. McBride, A. (2016, May 12). A History and Background of Disability Sport. Retrieved July 15, 2016, from http://www.twu.edu/inspire/history-and-background.asp -
Woman's Wheelchair Basketball
The first woman's Wheelchair Basketball tournament took place, fully recognizing not only disabled men but also disabled women in the same sport and program. (WD) McBride, A. (2016, May 12). A History and Background of Disability Sport. Retrieved July 15, 2016, from http://www.twu.edu/inspire/history-and-background.asp -
The First Winter Paralympics
The first Winter Paralympics took place during the 1976 Sweden Winter Paralympics. The Winter Paralympics have taken place every four years since. (MD) Paralympics History - History of the Paralympic Movement. (n.d.). Retrieved July 15, 2016, from https://www.paralympic.org/the-ipc/history-of-the-movement -
Sharon Hedrick Wheels the Boston Marathon
Sharon Hedrick becomes the first female wheelchair-bound athlete to compete in the Boston Marathon, paving the way for future female disabled competitors in the Boston Marathon. McBride, A. (2016, May 12). A History and Background of Disability Sport. Retrieved July 15, 2016, from http://www.twu.edu/inspire/history-and-background.asp -
New Regulations and Custom Wheelchairs
The National Wheelchair Athletic Association decided to change the rules for competitive wheelchair events, adding flexibility to the rules that are more consistent with what we see in the present. The National Wheelchair Games also incorporated newly designed, custom wheelchairs for athletes for the first time during 1978. (DM) McBride, A. (2016, May 12). A History and Background of Disability Sport. Retrieved July 15, 2016, from http://www.twu.edu/inspire/history-and-background.asp -
International Paralympic Committee
The International Paralympic Committee, a non-profit organization, was formed to host a governing body that would oversee future Paralympic events and athletes to ensure a safe and fully included competitive environment. Paralympics History - History of the Paralympic Movement. (n.d.). Retrieved July 15, 2016, from https://www.paralympic.org/the-ipc/history-of-the-movement -
Inclusion in Commonwealth Games
Athletes with disabilities were first allowed in the Commonwealth Games during 1994. These athletes took part in all activities included in the Commonwealth Games, but were not necessarily counted in or treated the same way as non-disabled athletes. (MD) Commonwealth Games: Disability News & Information. (n.d.). Retrieved July 15, 2016, from http://www.disabled-world.com/sports/commonwealth-games/ -
Full Inclusion in Commonwealth Games
The first totally inclusive Commonwealth Games took place during the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002. Unlike before, all disabled athletes were fully acknowledged as members of their national teams. This made the Commonwealth Games "the first fully inclusive international multi-sport games." (MD) Commonwealth Games: Disability News & Information. (n.d.). Retrieved July 15, 2016, from http://www.disabled-world.com/sports/commonwealth-games/