MusicMoviesandMe brings you the best Crip Camp Summary. Crip Camp is a 2020 historical documentary and is directed by James Lebrecht, Nicole Newnham, and executive produced by the Obamas. On December 3rd, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD), I report the journey of a revolution that led to legislation ‘Section 504.’

Crip Camp Summary

In 1971, handicapped persons heard about a summer camp called Camp Jened, in New York. Alike scouting, this one served to gather the disabled for recreational purposes. That is, as an attendee, you could sing, dance, swim, and be free.

Most importantly, everybody respected one another. After bonding over the summertime, they returned to their lives and vowed to stay in touch.

Nevertheless, re-adapting to society felt burdensome. Mainly because whereas non-disabled looked forward to a bright future with plenty of opportunities, they felt disadvantaged. But why is that? Well, the main problem – the infrastructure.

In present times, schools, universities, hospitals, and recreational places contain the necessary architecture for both the disabled and non-disabled communities. But in the 70s, it lacked such pivotal elements.

For instance, if an invalid individual wanted to use the metro station, it did not have an elevator. Moreover, imagine applying for a job that you couldn’t even reach on your own! So, it seemed as if you already lost the position by default.

“Many of us can work. That’s all we are saying, remove the architectural barriers.”

–Margaret Irvine, Camp Jened attendee (1977)

Luckily, in 1972, the Center for Independent Living (CIL) was founded in Berkley, California. An organization run by the handicapped to help others integrate into society by registering to the following:

1. Housing: Acquire a permanent place where to live, eat and sleep.
2. Personal care: Search for the proper health insurance and provide care services.
3. Job-hunting: Enrol for an adequate position to be self-independent and have a steady income.

Section 504

By 1973, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act attested to protect the rights of the handicapped. Namely, this forced buildings to restructure to be obstacle-free.

Yet four years later, none of the stations, education centers, or hospitals were reshaping their infrastructure. Consequently, they implemented the motto, “If they are not coming to us, we are coming to them.“

Hence, in April 1977, they stormed the building of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW).

Surprisingly, a one-day protest turned into 24 days. And once they didn’t see any progress from the congressmen, they took it a step further by directly going to the White House. Finally, on April 28, 1977, ‘section 504‘ was signed.

Indeed, persistence was key. Not only did the handicapped get involved but along their journey, they received the helping hand of the Blank Panthers.

“Every time you raise issues of separate but equal,
the outrage of disabled individuals across this country is going to continue.“

-Judith Heumann, Activist (1977)

Therefore, every time you see a building designed with all its essentials, it is partly due to that summer camp. Undoubtedly, a revolution that vouched for equality.

“Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution” won the “Audience Award” at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival.

Watch the trailer and discover the best Crip Camp Summary in the link below.

1. “Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution” documentary. Directed by Nicole Newnham and James Lebrecht (Higher Ground Productions, Netflix, 2020). ↩︎
2. “Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution” documentary. Directed by Nicole Newnham and James Lebrecht (Higher Ground Productions, Netflix, 2020). ↩︎
3. “Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution” documentary. Directed by Nicole Newnham and James Lebrecht (Higher Ground Productions, Netflix, 2020). ↩︎

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