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- Florida has honored disability rights legend Beverly Chapman with its first-ever historical marker for a disabled advocate—and DAS Defenders is proud to co-sponsor it. Just like she fought to make Florida’s toll roads accessible, we fight for equitable access at Disney Parks and beyond. Her legacy fuels our movement. #BeverlyChapman #DisabilityRights #DisneyDAS #ADA35 #AccessibilityMatters
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Beverly Chapman broke barriers in Florida—from creating job opportunities for disabled workers to redesigning systems that excluded us. DAS Defenders exists because that exclusion continues—especially at Disney, where many disabled visitors are now turned away or denied accommodations. #BeverlyChapman #DisabilityRights #DisneyDAS #ADA35 #AccessibilityMatters
DAS Defenders Sponsors Florida’s First Historic Marker Honoring Disability Rights
DAS Defenders is proud to celebrate the unveiling of Florida’s first historical marker honoring a disability rights advocate: Beverly Chapman.
As co-sponsors of the marker, DAS Defenders is honored to uplift the legacy of Beverly Chapman—a visionary leader whose work reshaped access, inclusion, and opportunity in Florida and across the country. The new historic marker was revealed during the 35th anniversary celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Chapman was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at age 5 and advocated for disability rights throughout her life. She was crowned Miss Wheelchair America in 1979 and traveled the country advocating for accessible transportation. She founded the Center for Independent Living of Central Florida in 1976, created Shares, Inc. to equitably employ disabled workers, and launched the Center for Hi-Tech at Valencia College to provide computer training for people with disabilities. Her advocacy also led to the Beverly Chapman Act, which made Florida’s toll roads accessible and ultimately gave rise to the SunPass system.
“Beverly Chapman’s legacy is a call to action,” said a representative from DAS Defenders. “She showed us what’s possible when access is treated as a civil right—not a privilege.”
DAS Defenders is a grassroots disability justice coalition of over 23,000 disabled people and allies founded in response to the rollback of the Disability Access Service (DAS) at Disney Parks.
Recent policy changes have resulted in thousands of disabled Disney guests being denied accommodations they previously qualified for. These decisions have led to widespread exclusion of autistic guests, veterans, terminally ill patients, chronically ill visitors, and people with mobility, sensory, and neurological disabilities. The changes to DAS have left families with no safe way to participate in the park experience.
By honoring Chapman’s life, DAS Defenders coalition affirms the value of disabled leadership, the power of advocacy, and the importance of making disability stories visible in public spaces. As it pushes back against modern-day rollbacks to accessibility, DAS Defenders draws strength and inspiration from trailblazers like Chapman.
DAS Defenders continues to advocate for the restoration and strengthening of accessible systems at Disney Parks and beyond. The group carries forward the spirit of leaders like Beverly Chapman in advancing the fight for access and equitable public accommodations.
About DAS Defenders
DAS Defenders is a grassroots network of over 23,000 disabled advocates and allies dedicated to protecting and expanding disability access and civil rights. Founded in response to Disney’s rollback of its Disability Access Service, DAS Defenders organizes to ensure access for all and build a world where accessibility is non-negotiable.