Historical Overview of Disability

Historical Overview of Disability

• Disability perception has evolved throughout history, differing significantly from current perspectives.
• Disability was not a social construct in historical contexts.
• Lack of consistency across time and space in how disability was viewed.
• Social and environmental factors influenced historical perceptions.
• Descriptive language evolved, with terms like "fools," "idiots," "morons," and "feeble-minded" previously used.

Classical Era: An Era of Duality

• Evidence from the classical era, such as artifacts, art, and architecture, shows societal views of disability as a negative trait.
• Societies often viewed disabilities as signs of divine anger, inferiority, or a mark of shame.
• Rejection and mistreatment of individuals with disabilities were common.
• Medical procedures to cure or prevent disabilities were sometimes employed, especially in Greece and Rome.
• Royalty or higher powers often made those with disabilities as entertainers or "fools" for their amusement.
• Laws of the time reflected the negative perspective on disabilities.

Classical Era Continued

• Evidence indicates the presence of people with disabilities during the Classical era, in various conditions.
• However, the prevalence and nature of certain kinds of disability are not always specified.
• Later in the era, there was a shift towards more compassion and understanding—helping the "afflicted" became more prominent.
• Infanticide was less frequent towards the end of the era.
• Increased awareness of individuals with disabilities and helping people.
• Care for the disabled became valued during this phase as a sign of humanity and strength rather than weakness, showcasing a growing compassion.

The Middle Ages

• Disability was often equated with poverty.
• The lack of defined criteria for mental illness and physical disabilities led to difficulty separating those conditions.
• This period was characterized by a lack of understanding and objectivity regarding disability types.
• Limited distinction/ understanding of mental illness vs. intellectual disability.
• Social and moral frameworks that influenced the perception of disability in the Middle Ages.
• Distinction between Body and Mind lacked objectivity
• Charity emerged as an obligation to care for those seen as different.
• Charitable institutions arose, providing support and care.
• Broader terms like natural fools and idiots were used to describe individuals with disabilities.

Industrial Revolution

• Economic shifts and societal changes occurred during this period, contributing to a shift in how disability was viewed.
• The view of disability as "difference" began to emerge as a growing area of study by this time.
• Key factors included advances in medicine, education, and the growth of industrialization.
• Description of disability started in the mid 1500s and became more widely recognized during this time.
• Concepts of mind and body separation and philosophical arguments about nature emerged..
• Theological debates around ideas like disability Rights to think and decide evolved.
• Laws and legislation were enacted as a reaction to the changing context.

Social Reform

• 20th-century views emphasized the potential of individuals with disabilities to live in communities, leading productive lives, and participating fully.
• Efforts to educate and train individuals with disabilities were part of the evolving view
• Increasing awareness of disabilities led to the establishment of institutions designed to aid individuals with disabilities.
• Education systems increasingly focused on humanization of and for differently-abled people.
• The rise of institutions specifically to serve individuals with disabilities reflects a shift in perspective. Such places included schools, hospitals and homes.

Eugenics

• Late 19th and early 20th centuries saw ideas that became associated with Eugenics, including sterilizations of individuals and "better breeding."
• The focus was on hereditary traits and improving the human race.
• Adolf Hitler's actions epitomized these societal ideals during this time.
• This period involved the elimination of individuals deemed undesirable from the societal hierarchy.
• The Nazis specifically were known to target individuals with mental and physical disabilities, marking a dark period in the history of disability rights.
• Views on social control regarding disabilities were shaped by the historical eugenics movement.

Early Education

• Massachusetts was a pioneer in providing education to children with disabilities during the 1800s, and other states followed in their efforts.
• Educational programs were established for individuals who were considered "idiotic children" in the US, signaling a change in the outlook..
• The rise of specialized schools reflects the recognition of the specific needs of individuals with disabilities.
• "Imbeciles" (individuals who were potentially teachable), were recognized as a distinct category, indicating the start of understanding disability as a spectrum.

The Start of Change

• Key events included the Brown vs. Board of Education ruling as a landmark legal reform movement which shaped the rights of disabled persons.
• Dissatisfaction with institutional facilities and their inadequacy, particularly in meeting the basic needs of residents, was a factor that led to the call for change.
• The establishment of governmental panels, such as the President's Panel on Mental Retardation, contributed to better advocacy for the disabled.
• Community-based service provisions for the disabled began to appear.

Affecting Change and Public Attitudes

• Advocacy from parents of children with disabilities greatly influenced change, especially around the 1950s and 1970s.
• Efforts were made to improve conditions for disabled children in facilities and to provide opportunities for their integration into their communities.
• These efforts directly shaped attitudes towards education programs and employment opportunities during this period of time.
• Historical perspectives surrounding disability were challenged by activists.

Normalization Movement

• The normalization movement, originating in Denmark, advocated for inclusive environments, allowing individuals with disabilities to live "normal lives."
• This movement challenged existing views and methods of institutional care, advocating for a broader range of experiences for the disabled.
• Advances in social policy regarding disabilities have occurred in the 50+ years since, but challenges persist.
• Key challenges with this included laws and policies that either excluded people with disabilities or made it harder for them to enjoy their rights as full members of society.

Legislation

• Early laws regarding the treatment of disabled individuals often reflected societal views of the time, which were not in their favor
• Over time, laws in relation to disabilities evolved to create more inclusive and equitable environments.
• Many of these changes came about via landmark court cases which led to legal decisions that granted rights.
• Laws regarding mental health, education, and employment have been amended over time.

More Legislation

• Key legislation continued shaping the legal landscape around disabilities, including acts around education and rehabilitation.
• Legislation emerged around the rights of disabled citizens, ensuring equal access for them in various areas of life.

Thought Questions

• Reflect on the stereotypes associated with disability in your past and how they were perceived in your community.
• Think about how individuals with disabilities were viewed in school and at home.
• Assess the visibility of disabled students during your school years.

Explore the evolving perceptions of disability throughout history, from ancient times to modern views. This quiz examines the societal attitudes and language used to describe individuals with disabilities across different eras, revealing the significant impacts of social and environmental factors. Gain insight into how these perspectives have shaped current understandings of disability.