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The Story of Disability Justice

The Baker Act passes in Florida.

Date: 1971

The Story of Disability Justice
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The act is intended to reform the practice of forced institutionalization and protect patients' rights. However, it still allows for the involuntary commitment of a person who "may possibly have a mental illness," or, "may be a harm to themselves, a harm to others, or self-neglectful" (C4SS, 2015). Concerns will be raised about its widespread application for children who "act out" in school. The act remains in place at the time of writing.