HIS 345LEC – US Disability History: Understanding the Struggles and Triumphs of People with Disabilities in American History
Introduction
The Pre-20th Century History of Disability in the United States
The Progressive Era and the Birth of Disability Rights
The Civil Rights Era and Disability Rights
The 21st Century and the Ongoing Fight for Disability Rights
Conclusion
The history of disability in the United States is a complex and often overlooked aspect of American history. From the colonial era to the present day, people with disabilities have faced discrimination and exclusion from society. However, the disability rights movement has made significant strides towards creating a more inclusive and accessible world for people with disabilities. In this article, we will explore the history of disability in the United States, from the pre-20th century era to the present day.
The Pre-20th Century History of Disability in the United States
The history of disability in the United States can be traced back to colonial America. People with disabilities were often viewed as a burden on society and were often confined to institutions or almshouses. However, there were some early efforts to care for people with disabilities, such as the establishment of the Pennsylvania Hospital in 1751, which was the first hospital in the country to admit people with mental illnesses.
The 19th century saw the birth of the asylum movement, which aimed to provide more humane treatment for people with mental illnesses. However, conditions in asylums were often still inhumane, and many people with disabilities were confined to institutions for the rest of their lives.
The Civil War played a significant role in the treatment of disabled veterans. The war left many soldiers with disabilities, and the government was forced to provide them with medical care and disability pensions. This was the first time in American history that the government recognized its responsibility to care for people with disabilities.
The Progressive Era and the Birth of Disability Rights
The early 20th century saw the birth of the disability rights movement in the United States. However, this movement was overshadowed by the eugenics movement, which aimed to eliminate “undesirable” traits from the gene pool. People with disabilities were often targeted by eugenicists, who saw them as a burden on society.
Despite the eugenics movement, disability rights advocates made significant progress in the early 20th century. The National Association for the Study and Prevention of Tuberculosis, founded in 1904, was one of the first organizations to recognize the rights of people with disabilities. The organization lobbied for the creation of sanatoriums for people with tuberculosis, which provided medical care and rehabilitation services.
The Great Depression and New Deal had a significant impact on disability policy in the United States. The New Deal programs provided relief to people with disabilities through programs such as the Civilian Conservation Corps, which provided work and training opportunities for young men with disabilities. The Social Security Act of 1935 also provided financial assistance to people with disabilities.
The Civil Rights Era and Disability Rights
The civil rights era of the 1960s had a significant impact on the disability rights movement. Disability rights advocates played an important role in the civil rights movement, with groups such as the National Federation of the Blind and the National Association of the Deaf advocating for equal rights for people with disabilities.
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was a landmark piece of legislation that prohibited discrimination against people with disabilities in programs that received federal funding. This was followed by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which provided comprehensive protections for people with disabilities in employment, public accommodations, and other areas of life.
These laws have had a significant impact on the lives of people with disabilities in the United States. They have opened up opportunities for education, employment, and full participation in society that were previously unavailable.
The 21st Century and the Ongoing Fight for Disability Rights
Advances in technology have had a significant impact on disability rights in the 21st century. Assistive technology such as screen readers and voice recognition software have made it possible for people with disabilities to access information and communicate more easily. However, there are still many areas where people with disabilities face barriers, such as inaccessible websites and lack of accessibility in public transportation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the ongoing disparities faced by people with disabilities. People with disabilities have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, with higher rates of infection and mortality. The pandemic has also highlighted the importance of accessibility in healthcare and the need for inclusive policies that address the needs of all members of society.
Looking to the future, the disability rights movement continues to fight for greater inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities. This includes advocating for better access to healthcare, education, and employment, as well as working to eliminate barriers to full participation in society.
Conclusion
The history of disability in the United States is a complex and often overlooked aspect of American history. However, the disability rights movement has made significant progress towards creating a more inclusive and accessible world for people with disabilities. From the pre-20th century era to the present day, people with disabilities have faced discrimination and exclusion from society, but the ongoing fight for disability rights offers hope for a more inclusive future.
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