By CJ Tabor, AT Champion
Disability History Through Documentary
This month’s AT Champions project theme is disability history, and I watched Crip Camp, a documentary that explores the origins of the disability rights movement in the United States. The film centers on Camp Jened, a summer camp in New York for teens with disabilities in the 1970s. For many campers, it was a rare space to build community, gain independence, and experience the joy of being fully themselves. As a university student with a disability, I could relate to how crucial environments that support accommodations and advocacy can be in shaping confidence and identity.
Cross-Disability Approach
One thing I appreciated about the film was how it highlighted a variety of disabilities, showing that the movement was inclusive and diverse. There were moments that were challenging for me personally—rapid color changes on screen were frustrating because I have epilepsy—but I was able to navigate these moments by closing my eyes while still following the narrative.
Disability Activism and Advocacy
The film also provided concrete examples of activism, particularly the push for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). I found it interesting to see how grassroots organizing—from the camp to the streets—helped transform policy. For example, the documentary covered the efforts of “rolling quads” and other activists to challenge systemic barriers. Even though my university has strong advocacy and support for students with disabilities, seeing these historical efforts deepened my appreciation for the movement’s scope and impact.
Beyond the history lessons, Crip Camp shows how advocacy and accommodations are interlinked. The community at Camp Jened emphasized that when people with disabilities are given resources and space, they can thrive and drive meaningful change. The film also draws clear connections between past activism and ongoing issues, showing that the fight for accessibility and equity continues today.
Bottom Line
Overall, Crip Camp was informative, moving, and inspiring. It balances historical context with personal stories, illustrating both the challenges and triumphs of the disability rights movement. For anyone interested in disability history or advocacy, it’s a compelling watch.
More on Crip Camp
Check out my colleague Sarah’s video on the same topic here: Sarah’s Instagram Crip Camp video.