A significant number of people either enter the world with an impairment or acquire one. Any system which ignores this universal probability requires a refined denial. Instances where denial is overcome are often soon replaced by efforts to marginalize the power or voice of persons with disabilities. Legislation emerges to address these systemic motivations (the Americans with Disabilities Act). These three elements represent a cycle of triage whereby protection of the rights of persons with disabilities requires clear vision and steadfast advocacy, for without such commitment, national agenda is always one step away from benign neglect.