Roland Johnson

Roland Johnson (19451994) was an advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. He was one of the founders of Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (S.A.B.E.), and one of the first chapter presidents of Speaking For Ourselves. He spent 13 years institutionalized at Pennhurst State School and Hospital, until he was released in 1971 following the civil rights case, Halderman v. Pennhurst State School and Hospital.

Childhood Johnson was born 14 September 1945. He was the youngest of nine children – six girls and three boys. He was born a twin but his twin sibling died in infancy. The Johnson family lived in a three-bedroom house, first on Ellsworth Street across from the Christian Union Church in South Philadelphia, then later on North Cleveland Street in North Philadelphia.

Johnson's mother worked as a housekeeper and his father as an auto mechanic. Vera, the oldest child, was often in charge of the house, watching the younger siblings, preparing meals and making sure the chores got done.

As a child, Johnson stayed at home because public schools were unable or unwilling to accommodate him. He often stole food from stores due to his insatiable appetite. To punish him, his mother would heat a knife on the stove and burn his hand with it. It became clear that the family was unable to care for a disabled child, so they decided to send him to Pennhurst.