This article gives a brief description of the historical perspectives of intellectual disabilities. Show
The face of intellectual disability services has changed through time. In this article, we are going to explore some of the key thinkers of intellectual disability in history, and how they influenced perspectives on intellectual disability. Throughout history, people with intellectual disability were stigmatised, feared, persecuted and frequently mistreated. It wasn’t until the mid to late 19th century that a more positive approach to people with intellectual disability began. It was around this time that institutions were established for people with intellectual disability. 19th CenturyLed by influential individuals such as Itard, Esquirol, Guggenbuhl, Howe, and Seguin, the concept of care and education provision for people with intellectual disability began.
JM Itard, a French physician, was probably the most influential of all and is famous for his work with Victor, the wild boy of Aveyron.  Victor was found in the Caune Woods in France, naked and unable to speak. Itard tried to teach the boy how to speak and read, and after five years, Victor was able to understand some written words. People with intellectual disability were frequently referred to as idiots, feebleminded or retarded. This type of labelling and putting a name on people’s condition is a debate that still permeates discussions today. Only quite recently, the term mental retardation used in the United States, was changed to intellectual and developmental disabilities. Early 20th Century: The rise of custodial institutionsInstitutional care continued from Itard’s time, however towards the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, custodial institutions became popular. For example, lunatic asylums. They gained a strong foothold in care provision for people with intellectual disability. Many countries during this time were poor economically and social conditions were often difficult. This also reinforced fear and stereotyping by the general public, and had an impact on educating people with intellectual disability. Instead of educating people so they could live well in the community, education within custodial institutions was often used to sustain the institute, rather than teach new skills. People with intellectual disability became more segregated from society. Mid 20th Century: Dr Wolfensberger and his principle of normalisationThis type of care provision continued up to the mid-20th century, until the pioneering work of Dr Wolf Wolfensberger. A major shift in the school of thought towards the education and care of people with intellectual disability happened. The emergence of Dr Wolfensberger’s ‘Principle of Normalisation’ focused on improving the lives of people with intellectual disability.
Dr Wolfensberger actively worked towards advocating for value in the lives of people with intellectual disability, and strove against society’s readiness to marginalise and devalue these individuals. He was also the originator and foremost propagator of Citizen Advocacy and Social Role Valorisation. This focused on people speaking out and speaking up for those more vulnerable in society, in order to recognise the value of a vulnerable person. The end of segregated living?One area advocated for was to improve the living circumstances of people with intellectual disability. This included ending segregated living in places such as institutions. This has been slow to change and many countries continue to struggle with providing quality services in a meaningful and equitable way for people with intellectual disability. Today: Improvements in health and social careDue to the influence of such movements, the health and social care provision for people with intellectual disability improved and, as a direct consequence, so too did their overall health and wellbeing. People with intellectual disability are now enjoying a much longer lifespan, especially in the last decade or so.
As you will discover further into the course, their health is compromised, they do experience older age conditions much younger and, despite a marked increase in longevity, their mortality rate continues to be, on average, 20 years younger than people from the non-disabled population. In your experience:
How were people with disabilities treated in history?In colonial America, caring for people with disabilities was often a town's responsibility. Towns provided poor farms and almshouses as places to house and support those in need. Individuals with disabilities, criminals, and paupers were often lumped under one roof.
How were people with mental disabilities treated in the past?Isolation and Asylums
Overcrowding and poor sanitation were serious issues in asylums, which led to movements to improve care quality and awareness. At the time, medical practitioners often treated mental illness with physical methods. This approach led to the use of brutal tactics like ice water baths and restraint.
How were people with intellectual disabilities treated in the 1930s?People with mental disabilities in 1930s America were treated very unsympathetically by the majority of society. Abnormal behaviour and low levels of economic productivity were thought of as a 'burden to society'.
How were people with disabilities treated in the 1800s?Living conditions for persons with disabilities in the early 19th century were harsh, especially in industrial areas. Persons who lived in poverty, whether it was due to being widowed, orphaned, alcoholic, or because of physical or mental disabilities, often were put into poorhouses , or almshouses.
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Historical treatment of individuals with intellectual disabilities
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