Museum of Disability History

Chartered by the New York State Department of Education Board of Regents, the Museum of Disability History was founded in 1998 by Dr. James M. Boles, former president and CEO of People Inc. and originally located in Buffalo. As the first museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to chronicling the history, struggles, and achievements of people with disabilities, it steadily expanded over the years, serving as a vital educational and cultural institution that fostered awareness and dialogue about the evolving experiences of the disability community. There it housed over 8,000 artifacts, rare books, historical documents, and primary source materials, some dating back to 1750. Its extensive exhibits, collections, archives, and educational programs explored key topics such as the Eugenics Movement, institutionalization, adaptive technologies, disability representation in media, and the impact of landmark legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

In December 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic and after more than two decades of preserving and sharing disability history, the Museum of Disability History closed its doors in Buffalo. In spring 2024, the museum officially became part of The Viscardi Center network and plans to move its collection to Albertson began – a natural extension of the Center’s mission to educate, employ and empower youth and adults with disabilities. A brand-new 4,500 square foot museum space was built within the Kornreich Institute for Disability Studies on the Viscardi campus.

A model of accessibility, the Museum of Disability History continues to be an invaluable resource to inform, educate, and inspire as it preserves the past while shaping the future of inclusion and disability rights. Watch this timelapse to see how the museum came to life, from the earliest stages of construction to the final touches.