ROLLING AROUND UC BERKELEY - THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE LEGENDARY ROLLING SQUAD

In the early 1970s, the University of California, Berkeley, was a crucible of change and activism. Among the bustling student population, a group known as the Rolling Squad emerged, led by the formidable Ed Roberts.

Ed Roberts was no ordinary student. He had contracted polio at age 14, which left him paralyzed from the neck down and dependent on an iron lung to breathe. Despite these challenges, Ed's spirit was indomitable. He fought to be admitted to UC Berkeley, a battle that culminated in his acceptance as the first student with severe disabilities to attend the university. His admission marked the beginning of a profound transformation in the perception and treatment of disabled individuals in higher education.

The Rolling Squad was born out of necessity and ambition. Ed, along with other students with disabilities, found that the Berkeley campus was not designed with them in mind. There were no curb cuts, ramps, or accessible buildings. Frustrated but undeterred, Ed and his friends decided to take matters into their own hands. They equipped themselves with wheelchairs and began to navigate the campus together, demanding better access and accommodations.

As the leader of the Rolling Squad, Ed was a beacon of hope and determination. His leadership was characterized by a blend of pragmatism and idealism. He taught his peers to advocate for themselves, to speak out against injustices, and to never settle for the status quo. Under his guidance, the Rolling Squad became a powerful voice on campus, challenging the administration to make the necessary changes.

The squad's first victory came when they successfully lobbied for curb cuts and ramps to be installed around the campus. This seemingly small change had a monumental impact, enabling students in wheelchairs to navigate the campus with greater ease and independence. It was a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of accessibility.

Buoyed by their success, the Rolling Squad set their sights on even larger goals. They began to push for the creation of a Disabled Students' Program (DSP), which would provide support services such as note-taking, sign language interpreters, and transportation assistance. Their relentless advocacy paid off, and in 1970, the DSP was established, making UC Berkeley a pioneer in accommodating students with disabilities.

The Rolling Squad's influence extended beyond the campus. They became involved in broader disability rights movements, advocating for legislation that would guarantee equal rights and access for disabled individuals nationwide. Their efforts culminated in the passage of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, particularly Section 504, which prohibited discrimination based on disability in any program receiving federal funding.

Ed Roberts' legacy is immortalized in the Center for Independent Living (CIL), which he co-founded in Berkeley. The CIL became a model for similar centers across the country, providing resources and support for disabled individuals to live independently and with dignity.

The Rolling Squad, under Ed Roberts' leadership, not only transformed UC Berkeley but also sparked a nationwide movement that reshaped the landscape of disability rights. Their story is a testament to the power of resilience, advocacy, and the unwavering belief in the possibility of change.