Americans with Disabilities Act 25th Anniversary Timeline - Disability & Employment

The Smith-Fess Act

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6/2/1920

Signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson, the Smith-Fess Act (also known as the Civilian Vocational Rehabilitation Act) establishes the Vocational Rehabilitation program for Americans with disabilities. It is modeled on an earlier law that provided for the rehabilitation of World War I veterans with disabilities. At this point, only individuals with physical disabilities are eligible for services.

American World War I veterans. — National Library of Medicine