A Reflection on the Important History and Treatment of Individuals with Disabilities

Retrieved from https://www.americanprogress.org/team/disability-justice-initiative/

    On February 14th, our class learned about the tragic history of how people with disabilities were treated in America. First, we watched a video of the nationally televised broadcast from 1968 about Pennhurst State School in Pennsylvania called "Suffer the Little Children". This was an institution for, who people of the time called, the "mentally retarded" of all ages. This broadcast emphasized the inhumane conditions and treatment of people with cognitive and/or physical disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, speech impediments, deformities, and blindness. Pennhurst held close to 2,800 patients with a ratio of about 50:1 patients and staff members with a lack of many basic and important resources. After the documentary was televised, many people were disgusted and saddened by the conditions these individuals were subjected to and began to demand change. It wasn't until 1987 that Pennhurst, fortunately, closed its doors for good, taking a step in the right direction for people with disabilities. But this was only the beginning. After finishing the documentary, Dr. Bruce Keisling, the Executive Director of UTHSC's Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Program, spoke to us about the detailed history of disability and started from the early 20th century. His presentation was very informative, highlighting how terminology regarding disability has changed over time, the fight for fair treatment and equal rights, and present day success stories. 

    For me, the most significant part was learning about the struggles people with disabilities have had to overcome and the way they persevered to get the basic rights they deserve, which is similar to those of the civil rights movement. It was almost an even bigger hurdle for them because they needed more people outside of their minority who could really advocate for them. At first, I never thought about how disabled people have had to fight for their rightful place in the community just like other people who are different by society's standards. 

    Having learned about this history, I understand more about the experiences of people with disabilities and how they have been made to feel for so many decades. This makes me feel more equipped to work with people of different backgrounds and put myself in their shoes with a better grasp on what can be most beneficial for them and what is most important (the right to make choices). Going forward, I will educate more people on the history of disability and what they can do to be more inclusive.