History of Disabilities - A Reflection

All my life, I have seen family members and friends live with various disabilities. I, too, have been challenged with injuries and diagnoses that have made me adapt and change in order to live a functional life. However, I have never given much thought to how different my concept of disability is compared to that of someone in my same shoes just one decade ago-- until hearing from Dr. Keisling, Ph.D. Disability can be viewed in various ways. Someone recovering from a torn ACL is likely to view their disability as transient, or simply a phase. A girl facing a diagnosis of autism, however, may see her diagnosis as an intrinsic part of her identity. Moreover, a young boy diagnosed with Down Syndrome may feel that his diagnosis is not a disability at all, but an innate difference or strength. The history and concept of disability is ever-evolving. 

Before Tuesday's lesson, I was aware of the model of institutionalism that once confined those with disabilities, but I had no idea that institutionalization was born from fear. Communities feared that people with disabilities were synonymous with criminals. Thus, exclusion from the community and family-- and even involuntary sterilization of these individuals-- was rationalized. Maltreatment in these institutions was the norm, and residents were given no respect, value, or hope.

In the world we live in today, the cruel treatment of individuals with disabilities seems unreal and extremely unnecessary. However, as the lesson continued, I realized that communities and families were simply poorly educated and equipped for the change that desperately needed to occur. Mothers were encouraged by trusted medical professionals to give up babies with developmental delays or disabilities to the state. The institutions described above were overpopulated, and employees were expected to care for nearly fifty residents each. Moreover, 24-hour nursing care was not established for people with more complicated diagnoses. As these vital changes did begin to occur, a major shift in outcomes did as well. Individualized care and community-inclusion resulted in a significant increase in the adaptive behaviors of people who were once considered hopeless. 

Today, these individuals are on a journey toward self-care, independence, and advocacy. They are testifying in our court rooms, leading our department, and inspiring our communities. They are daily changing our definition of "disability," and I could not be more thankful.