Lecture 4 - Disability History Part 1

Disability History

1. Early Civilization

2. Middle Ages

3. The Renaissance Period

4. Early America

5. The Industrial Revolution

6. Eugenics/WWII

Disability History Challenges

• lack of documentation, accounts, research of disabled people in history

• lack of representation

• little data avilable primarily from formal treatments

(1) Disability History : Early Civilization

• functioned with religious model

• disabled + non disabled lived together with family care

• low life expectancy - complications

• little to no evidence in history

• hippocrates established the first sanatarium for wealthy families and most others were tortured, killed for entertainment

(2) Disability History : Middle Ages

• still functions with religious model

• disability viewed through christian lens (negative)

• some compassion where charity for disabled

• disabled were sent to monasteries to be “healed”

(3) Disability History : The Renaissance Period

• shift from religious to medical model

• sent to asylums to be housed (not treated) and separated from society

• women killed during witch hunts (if women gave birth to disabled child she was a witch)

• some progress for inclusion where deaf were taught to read/communicate

(4) Disability History : Early America

• blend of religious and medical model

• disability is a punishment from god

• medical remedies questionable

• some medical schools and hospitals established (practiced procedures like “bleedings” to release poisons)

(5) Disability History : The Industrial Revolution

• disabled people excluded from workforce

• unequal advancements for some: deaf schools built but mentally ill were sent to institutions

• Advent of sterile medical procedures made it safer to undergo medical intervention (though not all were "good")

(6) Disability History : Eugenics / WWII

• Darwin’s origin of species

• natural selection and selective breeding inappropriately applied to human race

What actions were used to enforce eugenics?

• Immigration laws to turn people away.

• Forced sterilization to prevent reproduction.

What harmful beliefs about disabled people did eugenics promote?

That disabled people were dangerous, unwanted, and less valuable. These beliefs continue to influence society today.

How does what happened in Germany 1993 connect to disabled community?

Germany passed a sterilization law. Its principles were later used to justify the persecution and killing of disabled Germans and Jewish Germans.

What was the T4 Killing Program?

A secret Nazi program introduced in 1939 under the phrase “final medical assistance,” which systematically killed disabled people.

Who was targeted by the T4 Killing Program?

People with physical disabilities and other groups, including people with depression and war veterans, according to the lecture notes.

Does Eugenics Persist Today?

Testing karyotype of baby by testing for genetic issues (down syndrome) and choosing to whether terminate the baby or not

Children of Eugenics in the 20th Century

• disabled women were forced into sterilization that prevented menstruations and childbirth for “practical” reasons

Why might termination of a pregnancy involving an extremely serious condition be considered less controversial?

When the condition is expected to be fatal shortly after birth or would prevent the infant from surviving, termination may be viewed differently from other cases.

What is preimplantation genetic testing?

Testing embryos created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) for certain genetic or chromosomal conditions before an embryo is transferred to the uterus.

Institutionalization

• viewed as a social solution

• intended to be places of care and safety and protecting society/relieving families

• industrialization and modernity made it seem like a logical solution

Why did deinstitutionalization begin?

• institutions were often overcrowded and underfunded which began the recognition that living was not producing original outcomes

How did deinstitulization change normalization?

went from disabled people should be in asylums to maybe they should be apart of society and doing things everyone else does like work (closed institutions)

What were the positive effects of closing institutions?

• Reduced abuse of disabled people

• Improved living situation (closer to family)

• Increased choice and control in daily activities (what to eat)

• More autonomy over self care

• increased community integration + social interactions

What were the negative effects or challenges of deinstitutionalization?

• Communities were often unprepared to provide adequate care.

• Few opportunities were available within communities.

• Barriers to services, such as transportation.

• Inadequate policies to ensure high-quality programs and services.

How is inclusion different from simply placing people together?

Inclusion means ensuring everyone belongs, is valued, participates, and receives the support they need, rather than simply sharing the same space.

What was the Facilities-Based Paradigm (Disability and Phys Ed)

Disabled people were isolated and neglected in institutions. Disability was viewed through the medical model, meaning the problem was believed to reside within the person, who needed a cure.

What were the key PE characteristics of the Facilities-Based Paradigm?

• Corrective therapy to fix the problem.

• Emphasis on physical rehabilitation, posture, and fitness.

• Children with mild disabilities were often excused from PE.

What was the Service-Based Paradigm (Disability and Phys Ed)

Disabled people received special programs and services. The educational model focused on skill improvement, and people were often defined by their disability.

What PE terminology and practices were associated with the Service-Based Paradigm?

Adapted, developmental, and special PE, with programs designed according to disability level

What was the Support-Based Paradigm (Disability and Phys Ed)

Disability was viewed as part of human variation. Difficulties were understood as resulting from the interaction between the person and their environment. Support was provided to help people function in inclusive environments.

What were the key PE characteristics of the Support-Based Paradigm?

Adapted Physical Activity (Adapted PA) became more prominent.

• Sport became more prominent.

• Programs became individualized.

• A lifespan perspective was adopted.

• Focus shifted from disabilities to adaptations.

What is the Empowerment and Self-Determination Paradigm (Disability and Phys Ed)

Major decisions shift from experts to individuals. The focus is on choice, decision-making, self-awareness, and self-regulated learning.

What PE approach is associated with the Empowerment and Self-Determination Paradigm?

Self-determined Adapted Physical Activity, where individuals have more control over their own physical activity choices and goals.

Present Day Canadian Legislation

1) Ontario Humans Rights Code

2) Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

1) Ontario Humans Rights Code

• first ever legislation of its kind

• recognized moral, social, and economic consequences

• disability not specifically listed but added later

2) Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

• section 15 of equality rights (no discrimination and must accomodate)

• didn’t include disability until later

What is the AODA?

• Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

• applies to all ontario organizations

• aims to identify, remove and prevent barriers for people with disabilites

5 Standards of AODA

1) Customer Service Standard

2) Information and Communication Standard

3) Employment Standard

4) Transportation Standard

5) Design of Public Spaces Standard

What is and when did the 6th standard of AODA come about?

6) Education Standard

• education was left out till recently

Did the AODA reach there accessible ontario goal of 2025?

• schools still have community classrooms

• public pool spaces are not accessible

• there has been slow implementation

  • Lack of enforcement

    • no fines or repercussions for not following

  • lack of prioritization

  • incomplete scope