About the Exhibition

On April 5, 1977, American people with and without disabilities showed the world the power of grassroots activism. In San Francisco, more than 100 people began a twenty-six day occupation of the Federal Building to insist on getting civil rights. Four years earlier, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 made it illegal for any federally funded facilities or programs to discriminate against disabled people. One signature from the head of Health Education and Welfare (HEW) stood in the way of the law taking effect. People waited and waited. At last in 1977 frustration turned into bold action. A diverse coalition launched protests across the country. San Francisco's occupation was the most significant. On April 30, 1977, San Francisco's Section 504 occupiers emerged victorious from the longest take-over of a federal building in US history. A national disability rights movement was born.

This project was made possible with support from California Humanities, a non-profit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit Calhum's website.

About the Paul K. Longmore Institute on Disability

The Paul K. Longmore Institute on Disability at San Francisco State University proudly presents “Patient No More,” our latest conversation at the crossroads of disability history, the arts, education, and social justice. We use innovative research, provocative discussions, and influential cultural events to connect the Bay Area’s vibrant disability communities with the dynamic faculty and students of SF State. To learn more, visit our homepage.

Main Exhibit

After a 7 month run at the Ed Roberts Campus in Berkeley and 3 months at the San Francisco Public Main Library, the main exhibit has returned to storage. To see the traveling version of Patient No More, visit Exhibit Envoy!

Traveling Exhibit

  • Pink Palace Museum, Memphis, TN: November 8, 2020 – January 24, 2021

  • Miami University, Miami, OH: February 28 – April 25, 2021

  • East Texas Oil Museum at Kilgore College, Kilgore, TX: August 22 – October 17, 2021

  • Museum on Main, Pleasonton, CA: April 3 – May 29, 2022

  • Historical & Cultural Society of Clay County, Moorhead, MN: March 25 – June 11, 2023