Throughout my life, multiple people have asked me a question that can provide a glimpse into someone's personality or simply serve as a conversation starter: "If you were to go back in time, what timeline would you choose?" This question has always stopped me in my tracks. The responses I've encountered range from the allure of Greek civilization to the artistic wonder of the Renaissance, and even the nostalgic charm of the 40s, 50s, and 60s. Each choice comes with its own compelling reasons. But when the conversation turns back to me with the inevitable "How about you?" I find myself at a crossroads, contemplating the direction to take. Should I delve into the harsh and dark reality of how people with disabilities were treated in the past? Or should I opt for a simpler, less intense response such as, "I would choose the present because I wouldn't want to spend my life confined to an institution"? Oh, the choices.
Since it's disability pride month, I thought why not educate people on the harsh reality of how people with disabilities have been treated in the past up until the present.
Greek and Roman Empire:
In Greek times, you hardly saw adults with disabilities. Why? Because it was believed that children who were disabled were unwanted by the gods and that their disabilities were forms of punishment for misbehavior, sinning, and an evil force. They believed that the gods wanted these children to suffer and die during infancy and would murder them to please the gods. However, if fate intervened and they managed to survive against all odds, they were labeled as "buffoons." Their only purpose in life was to be objects of amusement, entertaining others for laughs. The Romans adopted a similar belief toward people with disabilities. There was no Latin word for ‘Disabled’ so they used “monstrum” which was the word used for mythical monsters. They also believed having a disability was a mark of the god’s wrath. It was usually up to the father to decide if the kid lives or dies. But most families chose to take them to the woods, strip them naked and leave them there to fend for themselves. During the fall of Rome and the rise of Christianity, there was an increase in sympathy and pity toward people with disabilities. However, this so-called period of compassion would soon be replaced by fear.
Image description: Greek Gods on a cloud in the sky
Middle Ages:
During the Middle Ages, spanning from 1060 to 1490, society as a whole became plagued by an overwhelming fear of people with disabilities. They were perceived as having a supernatural connection and a sinister link to the works of the devil himself. Consequently, people with disabilities faced a grim reality—they were either killed, subjected to brutal beatings, left to wander as homeless beggars, or condemned to spend their lives in inhumane institutions. These institutions or should I say prisons were constructed with the sole purpose of hiding them from the rest of society, driven by the intense fear of seeing anyone with a disability.
Image description: Tile art of Jesus from the middle ages.
Renaissance: (approx. 1400’s thru 1600’s) Increase in religious influence.
During this time medical care was introduced and more institutionalization was happening.
Remarkably, some compassionate monks stood out as beacons of empathy, taking in people with disabilities to provide them with care. These noble efforts provided a lifeline for those fortunate enough to be taken in. Unfortunately, many others with disabilities were left without such support and were cast aside as society's "fools" and court jesters, solely employed to entertain the nobility. Their existence, fraught with hardship and stigma, became the inspiration for the well-known film "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." They were frequently locked away in towers or confined within institutions until the moment arrived for them to be trotted out and used as sources of amusement and laughter. Their lives became a spectacle, their disabilities exploited for the entertainment of others, reinforcing the cruel social hierarchy prevalent during that time.
Image description: Photo of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and a Renaissance painting of people with disabilities being used for amusement.
1700s-1800s:
During the 1700s and 1800s, it was the responsibility of the towns to care for people with disabilities, where they resided. Towns established poor farms and almshouses as locations to house and support those in need. Unfortunately, people with disabilities, criminals, and paupers were often grouped together under a single roof. Essential medical equipment such as wheelchairs or crutches was not readily available during that time, compelling people with disabilities to seek employment to obtain these aids. Unfortunately, finding work was challenging as many places were unwilling to hire them. This led many people with disabilities to resort to unconventional means of earning income, often involving public mockery. The harsh realities of this era extended beyond social exclusion, with public beatings and even murder remaining prevalent during this dark period.
Image description: Two photos of almshouses in poor conditions
1900s (1900-1990):
During this time, society held distorted views of people with disabilities, pitying, ridiculing, rejecting, and fearing them. They were seen as objects of charity, medical treatment, or fascination. The 1907 immigration act barred entry into the U.S. for those deemed mentally or physically "defective," severely impacting their livelihoods. Cities implemented "Ugly Laws" in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, making it illegal for anyone with diseases, deformities, or disfigurements to appear in public. Chicago repealed these laws in 1974, marking the last city to do so. Consequently, families often abandoned their children with disabilities, ashamed of the societal stigma. County fairs, like the infamous "Freak Show," grew in popularity, showcasing individuals with disabilities such as bearded women, the dog-faced boy, giants, dwarves, and five-legged calves. The 1930s witnessed the horrifying abuse of people with disabilities during Hitler's reign, subjected to brutal experimentation and eventual extermination. In 1947, the notorious Willowbrook institution opened, where over 6,000 people with disabilities endured abuse. The documentary "Crip Camp" on Netflix delves into the details, highlighting Judith Heumann's advocacy after successfully suing the NYC public school system for employment discrimination. The film also speaks on Willowbrook and its location in New York. From 1950 to 1970, significant progress occurred for people with disabilities. They gained the right to attend public schools, access college, and stage demonstrations leading to the implementation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The first White House Conference discussing federal policies towards people with disabilities took place, sparking grassroots movements. Congress passed the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, empowering the Justice Department to address rights violations in institutions. The landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law, prohibiting discrimination and ensuring equal opportunities in employment, commerce, and public services. It aimed to integrate people with disabilities into all aspects of American life.
Image description: First two photos are of WillowBrook Institution and the inhumane conditions. The third photo has multiple people in wheelchairs with Judy Huemann in the middle with the sign above them saying "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere". The last two photos are from the protests for Section 504.
Present (2000-2023):
Here are some key highlights that have happened since 2000-2016; Disability Pride Parade: In 2004, the first Disability Pride Parade in Chicago ignited a nationwide celebration of diversity and disability pride. Teaching Disability Rights History: A 2006 bill mandated the teaching of disability rights movement history in K-12 public schools, ensuring future generations learn about the movement's struggles and triumphs. Rosa's Law: Enacted in 2010, Rosa's Law replaced stigmatizing terms with "intellectual disability" in federal statutes, promoting respect and inclusivity. Strengthening ADA Regulations: New rules effective from 2011 expanded accessibility requirements for recreational facilities and defined "service animals" more precisely. Ethical Standards: The American Bar Association implemented an ethics rule in 2016, forbidding disability-based discrimination and promoting inclusivity within the legal profession.
Despite the remarkable strides we have made in the disability rights movement, there is still a big journey ahead to secure our well-deserved human rights. We have celebrated victories, but our fight is far from over. It is a fight for worldwide accessibility, protecting the rights of Air Travelers (with heartbreaking stories of 11,389 broken wheelchairs or scooters just last year), combating discrimination in healthcare and the workplace, ensuring access to life-changing assistive technology, and battling the stigma, discrimination, poverty, and exclusion from education and employment.
Let us not waver in our resolve. These challenges are not mere obstacles; they are barriers that deny individuals their rightful place in society. Each barrier we break down is an act of liberation, paving the way for a more inclusive world. Together, we can create a society where everyone is seen, heard, and valued. Let our actions speak of empathy and compassion. Let us strive for a future where no one is left behind, where every person can flourish and contribute their unique talents to the tapestry of humanity.
This is a battle for justice, dignity, and equality. Our commitment must be unwavering, our hearts aflame with passion. Together, let us light the path for a future where everyone is embraced, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive.
Image description: Multiple people holding up a big sign saying "Disability Rights are Human Rights"
Comments