People with disabilities comprise a large part of the population. It is【C1】______ that ove

r 35 million Americans have physical,【C2】______ , or other disabilities. About half of these disabilities are "developmental", i.e., they【C3】______ prior to the individual's twenty second birthday, often from genetic conditions, and are【C4】______ enough to affect three or more areas of development, such as mobility, communication, employment, etc. Most other disabilities are considered "adventitious", i.e.,【C5】______ or caused by outside forces.

Prior to the 20th century, only a small percent age of people with disabilities【C6】______ for long. Medical treatment for these disabilities was【C7】______ Advancements in medicine and social services have【C8】______ a climate in which people with disabilities can expect to have such basic needs as food, shelter, and medical treatment.【C9】______ , these basics are often not available.【C10】 ______ liberties such as the right to vote, marry, get an education, and gain employment have historically been【C11】______ on the basis of disability.

In recent decades, the disability rights movement has been organized to fight【C12】______ these infringements (侵害) of civil right. Congress responded by passing major【C13】______ recognizing people with disabilities【C14】 ______ a protected class under civil rights statutes.

【C15】______ today, people with disabilities must fight to live their lives independently. It is estimated that more than half of qualified Americans with disabilities are unemployed, and a【C16】______ of those who do work are underemployed. About two-thirds live at or below the official poverty level.

Significant barriers, especially in transportation and public【C17】______ , prevent disabled people from taking part in society. For example, while no longer【C18】______ by law from marrying, a person with no【C19】______ to transportation is effectively excluded from community and social activities Which might lead to the development of long-term relationships.

It will only be when public attitude advance as far as laws have【C20】______ disabled people will be fully able to take their rightful place in society.

【C1】

A．estimated

B．eliminated

C．evaluated

D．esteemed