People With Disabilities In The 1800s

From a recent study, it shows that in the United States alone, there is estimated amount over 56.7 million people have a disability. This means that many people around you may have a disability. Sometimes, these disabilities go unnoticed and possibly undiagnosed. Those with disabilities have faced rough times but, things can change for the better. Acknowledging their past and current treatments, understanding the type of disability; no matter if it’s visible or not and finally, examining the barriers and challenges faced by these individuals on a day-to-day basis. Throughout history the treatment of the disabled has been rough and at times; controversial. In the 1800’s, people weren’t as educated on these topics as they are now. They didn’t know what to think of these individuals, finding them unhealthy or even …show more content…
According to ADL, here they state “ … people with disabilities were considered meager, tragic, pitiful individuals unfit and unable to contribute to society, except to serve as ridiculed objects of entertainment in circuses and exhibitions. They were assumed to be abnormal and feeble-minded, and numerous persons were forced to undergo sterilization..” This means that before the 1800’s, these people weren’t helped or supported. They became a show or disappointment for others to gawk at. As time went on, the care for the disabled had slightly improved. Although they still faced large amounts of harassment and slander, the views on this top had started to shift overall. For instance, Onnika Bell of GT Independence has this to say, “ … encouraged an interest in educating people with other disabilities. During this time, the classification of mental illness and disability began, along with individual case histories and record keeping. An array of services provided in a humane environment replaced the prison-like treatment of people with disabilities.” This is significant because it focuses upon the change that’s started. Rather than treating