Karin Koch

Karin Koch: A Leader in Accessibility and Disability Rights

Early Life and Education

Karin Koch was born in 1942 in Carlsbad, California. From a young age, she showed a passion for theater and music. Despite being born with cerebral palsy, Koch never let her disability define her. She attended UCLA, where she earned a bachelor's degree in theater arts.

After graduating, Koch moved to New York City to pursue her acting career. She landed several roles in off-Broadway and regional productions. However, she faced discrimination and prejudice from the theater community due to her disability.

Advocacy for Disability Rights

Koch's experiences with discrimination motivated her to become an advocate for disability rights. In 1975, she co-founded the Disability Rights Action Committee (DRAC), which advocated for equal access to public accommodations for people with disabilities.

DRAC's efforts led to the passage of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in programs receiving federal funding.

National Council on Disability

In 1981, Koch was appointed to the National Council on Disability (NCD) by President Ronald Reagan. NCD is an independent federal agency that advises the President, Congress, and other federal agencies on disability policy issues.

During her tenure at NCD, Koch played a key role in the development of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law in 1990. ADA is the most comprehensive disability rights law in the United States, and it prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications.

Later Career

After leaving NCD, Koch continued her advocacy work through her writing and speaking. She authored several books on disability rights and served as a consultant to various organizations on accessibility issues.

Koch also served on the boards of several organizations, including the American Association of People with Disabilities and the World Institute on Disability. Her tireless efforts helped to improve the lives of millions of people with disabilities.

Legacy

Karin Koch is a pioneer in the disability rights movement. Her advocacy and leadership have made a lasting impact on the lives of people with disabilities. She is an inspiration to all who believe in the power of inclusion and equality.