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Changing Perspectives on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Overview of Learning Objectives

• Understand the current definition of intellectual and developmental disabilities.

• Examine three perspectives on disability: legal, biomedical, and social models.

• Explore the historical roots of these perspectives in law.

• Analyze limitations of perspectives focused on deficits and impairments.

• Investigate how human rights claims are changing perspectives on disability.

Changing Perspectives on Disability

This chapter analyzes the evolution of perspectives regarding intellectual and developmental disabilities and the implications for support provided to affected individuals. It outlines how society's understanding of disability has shifted over time in response to the recognition of limitations in earlier models. Key questions driving these shifts include:

• What constitutes a disability?

• How do we gauge the needs of individuals labeled with disabilities?

• What responsibilities do families, communities, and the state have toward these individuals?

Understanding Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) encompass categories referring to individuals whose intellectual functioning, communication, or behavior is slower to develop compared to typical patterns, as defined by scientific and legal standards. This normalization implies that there are established paths of human development exclusive to individuals with disabilities.

Since the mid-1990s, the reliability of defining what is "normal" in intellectual and developmental capacities has come under scrutiny. The postmodern perspective suggests that concepts of normalcy and competency are subjective and constructed within specific cultural and historical contexts. The validity of these constructs, as evident in varying representations and narratives from those with disabilities, is increasingly recognized, indicating that disability is not a static classification but a socially constructed lens shaped by numerous factors.

Social Construction of Disability

Disability has been largely portrayed in mainstream narratives as a state needing management, often casting affected individuals as passive beings. Rank and power influence societal perceptions and language surrounding disabilities. Consequently, individuals with IDD, along with their advocates, are challenging perceptions of them as solely defined by deficits, advocating instead for the recognition of cognitive diversity. Increasingly, they demand rights to social inclusion, quality education, and self-determination concerning legal and personal matters.

Legal Status of Developmental Disability

The term "developmental disability" evolved alongside the concept of legal personhood, historically marking individuals with disabilities as distinct since early Roman law. For example, the 14th century English statute, De Prerogativa Regis, delineated the responsibilities of the state towards individuals deemed incompetent. This legislation underscored the intersection of reason, rationality, and personhood, reflecting a prevailing cultural bias that linked legality and capacity with certain notions of intelligence. Furthermore, the Poor Law of 1601 reinforced the connection between disability and economic support, viewing individuals with disabilities as dependents rather than full citizens.

Transition to the Biomedical Model

By the 18th century, a biomedi-cal model began overshadowing legal perspectives on disability. Medical professionals assumed control over the competencies and conditions associated with intellectual disabilities. The rise of institutional care led to the establishment of diagnostic manuals that categorized mental health issues, including various forms of intellectual disabilities.This perspective framed disability as an intrinsic deficiency in the individual, thereby neglecting broader social contexts affecting individuals labeled as "disabled."

Definitions and Limitations of the Biomedical Model

The WHO's definition (1980) of disability incorporates impairment, disability, and handicap elements, emphasizing individual deficiencies. However, this medicalized viewpoint has been increasingly criticized for fostering societal biases that categorize individuals as abnormal. Rather than solely viewing developmental delays through a pathological lens, individual development must be acknowledged within cultural practices and normative expectations. Amundson (2000) questioned existing developmental norms, arguing they reflect societal values rather than universal truths. Furthermore, the definition of normality is context-dependent and evolutive through time.

Advocating for a Social and Human Rights Model

A social and human rights framework positions disability as a consequence of societal discrimination rather than an individual flaw. Drawing from feminist and identity theories, this perspective accentuates the importance of recognizing and valuing differences without assigning negative social worth. Critical disability theory emphasizes the oppressive history of disability narratives, asserting the need for reform to ensure people with disabilities are recognized as full citizens with rights.

Moving Toward Inclusivity and Equity

While legal protections for people with disabilities have improved, significant gaps remain in the practical realization of these rights. The shift from care-based to social inclusion policies is still underway, and challenges including poverty, exclusion from services, and discrimination persist. Advocates for disability rights push for a reimagined social framework focusing on equity, inclusion, and support based on individual needs rather than deficits. Efforts to incorporate personalized services and promote integrated community participation remain essential in addressing systemic barriers and enhancing life opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The Importance of Human Rights in Understanding Disability

Embracing a human rights framework emerges as a crucial advancement in how societies comprehend intellectual disabilities. Since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and similar provisions, there is a recognized importance to restructure social and economic relations that perpetuate inequality towards individuals with disabilities. The emphasis on human rights supports a shift away from viewing disability solely through a medical lens, advocating for rights-based interventions that empower individuals as active members of their communities.

Summary

In summary, intellectual and developmental disabilities historically stemmed from legal constructs that marginalized individuals. The biomedical model framed disabilities as personal deficits, which a social and human rights model now challenges by highlighting societal discrimination and barriers. Rights-centered approaches must focus on the unique needs and contexts of individuals, facilitating participation and equity in all aspects of society.