History of disability
Summary
The Rise of the Institutions 1800 – 1950
The living stated for the disabled populace in the ancient 20th century was horrible particularly in the industrial regions. Individuals who were economically and the disabled ones were subjected to poor housing but the richer ones had the tendency of retaining the disabled secretly at home to avoid the shame and negative perceptions of that period (MGCDD, 2017). The disabled persons were regarded as divergent and most people rejected them on the notion that besides being a curse they were a total burden that would drain the community socio-economically. Such people would be transferred to other towns to eradicate such negativity. Around the early 19th century most individuals were existing in excess poverty and it was the developments based on industries, medicine, and science that pressured most individuals to voice their concerns regarding the condition of the disabled persons as well as other minority groups which had been particularly deserted (MGCDD, 2017). By the midcentury, most individuals were completely aware of the disabled and abandoned persons and were striving to create social reforms which led to perception change and inclusion.
The Reawakening 1950 -1980
During the mid-20th century, the rebirth of expectation and likelihoods occurred particularly for individuals existing with disability (MGCDD, 2017). For the longest period parents of this particular group had existed in frustration and anguish based on the presence of undeserving conditions as well as the absence of community welfare which pressured parents to participate in movements in the quest of demanding for more qualified services (MGCDD, 2017). The efforts of the small groups spread nationally leading to the development of authoritative forces. The parent’s organizations were mainly dedicated to improving national institutions, developing community welfares, learning as well as working opportunities while fighting the notion that the disabled persons were not capable. This inspired more families to rise and offer support along with creating public debates that never existed prior. The presser from the organizations never lowered as they fought further for the recognition of the disabled rights (MGCDD, 2017). The cooperative efforts of these parents led to the substantial transformation in regard to perception, treatment and social welfare for the disabled persons.
A Place to Learn
Tests began in 1904 to establish whether disabled kids should be placed in separate classes from those of normal children (MGCDD, 2017). The examinations established that if any disabled children had no capability to acquire learning advantages from the basic classes should then be placed on special learning. It is through this development that the general number of special classes began to develop to accommodate the increasing population. However, the occurrence of the Great Depression slowed the process further and the average disabled were forced to remain at home while others attended the normal schools where they acquired no assistance. In 1950s several groups were created that only offered to teach to the special students and parents who were concerned in regard to education began to mainly participate in legislative processes with the attempt to improve the children’s learning in general (MGCDD, 2017). The court later declared that education is a privilege that should be offered on a fair basis to every person.
Personal Reaction
It is evident that the community, in general, has fought for the creation of changes to support the less fortunate. Previous decades were mainly characterized by negative perceptions towards the disabled mainly because they believed that they were a curse and burdens. This was mainly fueled by the high rate of poverty and illiteracy level. The notion that the disabled persons are unwelcome has not been eliminated completely because most individuals tend to disassociate themselves from such challenged persons. I do believe that there is nothing more essential in the world other than life and therefore regardless of someone condition they deserve to be treated better and encouraged to embrace their differences. It is through support that the existing challenges can be overcome. The disabled persons are normally subjected too much suffering based on the condition and they need the support that they can acquire from the government as well as the community in general.
The disabled persons need support and should be incorporated in terms of laws. In that, they deserve more improved conditions in regard to health, education as well as employment. In this context, this plays part in transforming the community in that the society is much better in such conditions. Social transformation is generally about improving the general existence standard for all persons regardless of the socio-economic status. This implies that fairness and equity should be supported at all times. In this context, it is apparent that the transformation that occurred in the 19th and 20th century completely supported transformation and better existence for the disabled population more adequately.
Questions
- Were the changes made to support the oppressed and disabled persons adequate?
- Do the existing laws encourage education equity?
The Relationship of This Information to the Course Information Covered So Far
It is clear that the information is relevant to the course because it does not only address history regarding the country but also offers a detailed description of the manner in which different social organization played part in social transformation. The currently reforms are mainly owed to the past movements which were involved in the identification of social issues and advocating for change. The fight was not easy because it required the changing of legislative and social laws but the movements worked to ensure that everything was achieved.
Reference
The Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities. (2017). A History of Developmental Disabilities, the Rise of the Institutions 1800 – 1950, the Reawakening 1950 -1980 and A Place to Learn Retrieved from http://mn.gov/mnddc//parallels/index.html
