Photos Courtesy of University of Illinois Archives
1947-1948- University of Illinois at Galesburg foundedAs many veterans with disabilities
returned from World War II, a former hospital in Galesburg, Illinois was converted into a satellite campus of the University of Illinois. This way, veterans seeking to utilize the GI Bill funding to obtain a college education could be accommodated. In 1949, the first ever wheelchair basketball team in the United States, the Gizz Kids, was formed at the University of Illinois Galesburg. |
1949- Galesburg campus closesUnfortunately, in 1949, it was
decided that the Galesburg campus would close. Many students with disabilities protested the closure, and even went to Springfield to speak directly with then-Governor Stevenson. While the campus did ultimately close, students continued their self-advocacy, and campaigned for the "rehab program" to be moved to the Urbana campus. On May 4, 1949, the University of Illinois accepted 14 of the students with disabilities from the Galesburg campus for the fall semester in Champaign-Urbana. However, no other students were allowed to enter, and no funding was established for a rehab program. |
1955- Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES) officially added to University of Illinois budgetThe University of Illinois passed
a resolution which mandated that all new construction would accommodate students with disabilities, and DRES was officially added to the University budget. |
We were also able to interview Professor Monika Stodaloska, a professor of recreation, tourism and sports at the University of Illinois. To hear her take on the history of accessibility at UIUIC, click here.