Voices from the 1977 504 Sit In

[visual description: Demonstrators during the "sit in".}

Ursula McGuire, Demonstrator

I told you about the spiritual. That's a great side that doesn't know what it's missing. I think most disabled people don't realize how strong they are spiritually and I think that's a lot of the part of what the consciousness raising was: We are strong. We can hold this building and fight at all costs because we are strong, and society doesn't want to face this particularly because of ignorance and fear.


Tom Blockus, Demonstrator

I am a Rehab counselor. I feel that if I did not participate in this demonstration that my involvement in the field would be hypocritical. What it will do for others is obvious. That is, education, employment, transportation. What will happen if 504 is signed? Disabled will flow into the mainstream instead of being a hidden minority as they have been. That's the real value of the Regs. I feel it is the least I can do and at the same time, it's the most I can do. This demonstration is a very draining experience. It taxes the soul. My whole aura, my gestalt, has been challenged and it's one of the most positive things that has ever happened to me. It's going to take years for me to realize how my disability will really help someone else. Years for me to appreciate how I can help someone else.

Via dredf.org