Understanding Disability Throughout History: From Exclusion to Inclusion
The Evolution of Disability Perception
Disability is a natural part of human diversity. Today, we strive to ensure individuals with disabilities achieve independence and participate fully in society. However, perceptions and treatment of people with disabilities have evolved significantly over time.
Period of Denial (13th Century)
During this era, individuals with disabilities were ostracized and even eliminated. Society viewed them as uneducable, demonic, or insane. Practices like infanticide were tragically common.
Period of Confinement (17th and 18th Centuries)
People with disabilities were confined to asylums, orphanages, and prisons without proper care or attention. However, this period also saw the beginnings of education for individuals with disabilities:
- Ponce de Leon pioneered a school for deaf-mutes, laying the groundwork for oral methods.
- Juan Pablo Bonet published “Teach the Dumb to Speak.”
- Valentin Hauy established an institute for the blind.
Period of Separation (Late 18th Century)
Specialized institutions were created for people with mobility issues. While society recognized the need to care for individuals with disabilities, their conditions were seen as permanent and unchangeable. This separation aimed to protect both individuals with disabilities and the so-called “normal” society.
- Pinel advocated for humane treatment of the mentally disabled and raised awareness about societal attitudes.
- Jean Etienne differentiated between idiocy and insanity.
- Jean Itard highlighted the educational needs of all humans and applied his theories to a feral child.
- Edouard Seguin developed a special education program.
Period of Rehabilitation (First Half of the 20th Century)
Public authorities assumed responsibility for individuals with disabilities, implementing legal and institutional measures to support them.
Period of Normalization (1968 Onwards)
This period championed the idea that individuals with severe mental disabilities could lead lives as normal as possible, integrating into mainstream society. This philosophy extended to all areas of society, promoting inclusion in various everyday environments.
Key changes during this period:
- Disability was no longer seen as static.
- Focus shifted from deficits to individual needs.
- Positive experiences in social integration emerged.
- Social services aimed to provide equal access for all citizens.
The Period of Integration and Accessibility
Today, we recognize the right of individuals with disabilities to live as normally as possible, with access to the same places and services as everyone else. This requires eliminating barriers and implementing positive actions to ensure full participation in political, economic, social, and cultural life.
Understanding Disability Models
International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities, and Handicaps (ICIDH)
This model defines:
- **Impairment:** Loss of psychological, physical, or anatomical structure or function.
- **Disability:** Lack of ability to perform an activity within the normal range for a human being.
- **Handicap:** Disadvantage resulting from an impairment or disability that limits or prevents the fulfillment of a role that is normal.
While influential, the ICIDH model has limitations:
- Linear and overly simplistic, neglecting contextual factors.
- Focuses on negatives, often confusing impairment and disability.
International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF)
The ICF presents a more nuanced and holistic view of disability:
- Interdisciplinary and integrated, considering the individual’s physical and social context.
- Views disability as a mismatch between the individual and the environment.
- Key elements include health condition, body functions and structures, activities, participation, and environmental factors.
People with Disabilities
Disability can have various causes (physical, sensory, mental) and degrees of severity. Several factors influence an individual’s experience with disability:
- Timing and nature of the disability
- Quality and quantity of support
- Family acceptance and coping mechanisms
- Presence of associated deficits
- Accessibility of social services
- Physical, social, and psychological barriers encountered
- Social class
Sensory Disabilities
Sensory disabilities limit access to information and can create challenges in navigating the surrounding environment.
People with Visual Disabilities
Factors influencing visual experiences include:
- The visual system itself
- Individual variables like fatigue, cognitive development, and distractions
- Environmental variables like lighting, contrast, and color
Key parameters of vision include visual acuity, visual field, sensitivity, adaptation, contrast, lighting levels, and focusing distance.
Understanding the history and complexities of disability is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and accessible society for all.