Taking the "Dis" Out of "Disabled"

Although seemingly normalized in modern day society, a residual negative stigma associated with disabilities still exists. Throughout the 20th century, individuals with a disability were depicted as criminals, a financial burden, and toxic to society. Presently, disability as its own culture is not a concept that is widely recognized and its acknowledgment as such is a current work in progress. Once accepted and fully integrated, it could play a significant role in shaping how people perceive the world. Although the echoes of history have mostly subsided, they've not been fully silenced. 

During this time, the institutionalization of those with disabilities was common practice. When institutionalization was at its peak in the 1960's, television as media began to broadcast documentaries which depicted the abhorrent living conditions and treatment of those with disabilities. Synergistic with the awareness of John F. Kennedy's daughter, Rosemary, controversy and a push for change arose. Implementation of legislative acts aided the facilitation of normalizing disabilities, and deinstitutionalization began to take its course.  Medicare and Medicaid (1965) federally subsidized health care; the Rehabilitation Act (1973) made discrimination in hiring practices illegal; the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (1975) denied exclusion from public schools; and the American With Disabilities Act (1990) granted civil rights protection. These measures allowed change by moving away from a deficit model and progressing toward a supportive approach. 

In the field of occupational therapy, it is important to consider the aforementioned developments throughout history. Although the prejudice against those with disabilities is much less prevalent, it is still present. A strong foundation of our practice is following a holistic approach which entails universal and unconditional inclusiveness. Individuals with disabilities are now more able to pursue meaningful aspects of living a normal lifestyle such as employment and marriage. As society continues to integrate and normalize the culture of disability, we as practitioners can utilize the outcomes in our favor to effectively treat and advocate for individuals with disabilities, and ultimately, augment their quality of [a normal] life.

~ Pam ♡