The Power of 504

On April 5, 1977, people with disabilities demonstrated nationwide for regulations implementing section 504 of the rehabilitation act of 1973. These demonstrations spontaneously erupted into sit-ins, and although activists in Washington, Los Angeles and New York were forced out, over 100 people entered the Federal Building in San Francisco and remained for 26 days. After testifying at hearings in S.F., representatives went to lobby HEW Secretary Joseph Califano to sign the changes voted by congress into law. They met with resistance, but eventually prevailed, and the victory signified the public birth of the disabilities rights movement, ushering in an era of disability activism, empowerment and legislative victories based on the legal concept of non-discrimination and integration embodied in section 504. In celebration of the twentieth anniversary of this event, the 504 Sit-in Anniversary Committee issued this film, using archival footage, much of it from personal videos made by the people involved. It stands as an eloquent example of "power to the people." Important, lest we forget. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Reed)