Dr. Eileen Wallis, professor at Cal Poly Pomona, will discuss her recent book which explores the political, legal, medical, and social battles that led to the widespread institutionalization of Californians with disabilities from the gold rush to the 1970s. She focuses on the infighting between state government and Los Angeles County over providing care for Californians with developmental and mental disabilities, culminating in the 1960s with the birth of the disability rights movement and the complete rewriting of California’s laws on the treatment and rights of Californians with disabilities.

Dr. Wallis will sell and sign her book at the event. “California and the Politics of Disability, 1850-1970,” Palgrave Macmillan, 2023.

No reservations required; however, seating is limited to 50.