Describe the historical and contemporary perspective to disability and inclusion
Answers
We now know that intellectual disabilities (ID, formerly mental retardation) are a complex classification of disabilities. These disabilities manifest in different ways, with many different causes. However, this enlightened understanding is fairly recent. It certainly was not evident during different historical periods. It also varies across cultures.
People with ID face many challenges. Many of these challenges are due to the daily difficulties of living with a significant disability. However, these challenges are intensified by stigma and cruelty. Ignorance gives rise to negative social perceptions. This negativity affects both the people with disabilities, and their families.
Historically, IDs were known by many names. These names reflected the knowledge and social prejudices of that historical period. Persons with these disabilities were objectified. This means their humanity was overshadowed by their disability. In this respect, they became a disability rather than a person. For instance, people with ID were often called, "mental retards." This term reflects this objectification by referring to a person as a thing. In this section, we review the social and political issues affecting persons with these disabilities. We place these issues into a historical context.
Historical and contemporary perspective to disability and inclusion:
Over the years people with disabilities have been looked onto in disgust and hopelessness. People with disabilities have been considered as people with no life or future.
Medication regarding mental illness or any such disability has improved miraculously and now after all their struggle in life people with disabilities are included in the system. They are provided with jobs or work and they are made independent and are empowered.