Running head: HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF DISABILITY
History and Philosophy of Disability
Kim Kendall
University of Massachusetts Boston
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HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF DISABILITY
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History and Philosophy of Disability
Over the years we have changed how we think about disability and what types of
mobility deficiencies are to be considered as well as cognitive and/or physical impairment to be
met with the same care as what society physically can view. We are constantly finding ways
through research and surveying to ensure that advocacy is provided so that more voices can be
heard. So why do we care so much about those with disabilities when it appears that the higher
functioning people have jobs and can be more independent because if history has shown us
anything, it is that definitions are constantly being transmogrified due to how society also may
think about disability. We need to know our history to see were have gone in the past and what
we can change for the future especially when it comes to the treatment of those with disabilities.
In the 4th century, the Greeks and Romans viewed disability in a very negative
light; even as infants when disability was apparent, they were immediately considered candidates
for population control. This meant that they were often exposed to quite harsh circumstances
which would result in their death or the Father of the family would decide if they wanted to keep
the disabled child or have “it” taken away to be killed. It the middle ages, around the 17th
century, the view on disability took a strange turn as far as the causes for the cognitive
deficiencies, which we now know would be many of the disabilities that fall under the mood
disorder category, and that was demon possession or God punishing the unworthy. This now left
the mental health issues to be in the hands of religious people such as priests and monks who
would often try to “exercise” the evil away which was supposed to cure them. Unfortunately, this
caused undue suffering to come to those who needed to have the “evil” stripped from them
which lead to the asylums people with mental illnesses were thrown in around the 16th century
(Rubin, Roessler, & Rumrill, 2016).
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The big turn was around the late 17th to early 18th century when medical
individuals decided to future investigate mental retardation or deficits, psychological disorder
physical disabilities. Some methods were more monstrous then others because our society had
not explored the ideas of hereditary genes, chemical make-up and environment. Once the 19th
century rolled around the way we look at what disability really encompassed and started
realizing that the disability is not attached to sinners, evil souls, or the weak minded. This was
also demonstrated when reading the essay Stereotypes about People with Disabilities, that
supports the fact that stereotypes about disability were due to popular culture would dictate how
society “should feel” about these people (Block, n.d.).
We continued to broaden our view in order to educate the word about the harm
we have done to those who were thought of as less than human and often could not advocated for
themselves. Block went on to also describes how the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990,
has now been extended to cover those who have been among the civil-rights movements to
include blacks, and minorities women (Block, n.d.). This says to me that history cannot fully
repeat itself it society is willing to see that change, make the change and continue learning and
growing. We have to know that to be self-actualized we must first want to see the flaws we have
in our way of thinking about those with disabilities and those who cannot advocate for
themselves and we have to want to help others see that change as well.
We have the luxury as an American society to change the hearts and minds with
such an impact, unlike many other eras, because we as a people want to be more educated and
more aware. This will allow society to look at those who fall under the disability umbrella as
those who require the proper tools for personal success and help them find those tools within.
Advocating is so much more than assistance but it is also knowing when to open the door and let
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them get through it how they need to. This will allow society to look at those who fall under the
disability umbrella as those who require the proper tools for personal success and help them find
those tools within.
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HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF DISABILITY
References
Block, L. (n.d.). Stereotypes about People with Disabilities. Retrieved October 4, 2019, from
http://www.disabilitymuseum.org/dhm/edu/essay.html?id=24.
Rubin, S.E., Roessler, R.T., & Rumrill, P.D., Jr. (2016). Foundations of the vocational
rehabilitation process (7th ed.). Austin, TX: Pro-Ed.
Additional required readings will be available from links or on-line sources.
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