Museum of Disability History at The Viscardi Center

The Museum of Disability History is housed within the Kornreich Institute for Disabilities Studies at The Viscardi Center. Relocated from its original location in Buffalo, it is a one-of-a-kind cultural institution bringing together art and artifacts that present the history, way of life, and identity of a vibrant disability community; a place where visitors of all ages can learn and reflect. Its full collection is made up of over 8,000 artifacts, documents, books and photographic images that chronicle the story of the disability rights movement from its origin through modern-day. The museum welcomes individuals, schools field trips, and group tours. Learn more at MuseumofDisabilityHistory.org

Prior to the passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in 1975, education options were limited for children with disabilities. In 1962, Dr. Viscardi established a model school for students with physical disabilities. Today, Henry Viscardi School continues to be an alternative, accessible traditional educational choice for parents and a resource to school districts that cannot accommodate the academic, health and assistive technology needs of children with severe orthopedic disabilities, many of whom require life-sustaining medical treatment and extensive support throughout the day and may otherwise need to receive instruction in their homes or a hospital setting.

Following the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, The Viscardi Center began consulting businesses on disability best practices and took on a prominent role as a national resource for the successful integration of people with disabilities into the workforce and consumer marketplace. As technology has evolved and plays an ever-growing role in our daily lives, Viscardi’s Digital Accessibility Services has been at the forefront of ensuring people with disabilities have equal access to digital content and environments and provides services to a wide range of businesses and organizations nationally.

Able News at The Viscardi Center is a news outlet and monthly digital periodical for, by, and about people with disabilities that serves as a vital resource on disability and amplifies the perspectives of the diverse, vibrant disability community.