People with disabilities comprise a large part of the population. It is(C1)______ that over 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