Disability in the 80s by Gunjan Klair

Image of disability

gunjanklairr — 2024-06-10 15:41:46 UTC

Disability in the 1980s was seen stereotypically and looked down upon due to the lack of accessibility of knowledge at various places. This era, however, shows an increase in the awareness of disability and an increase in the advocacy for the rights of disabled individuals.

Family perspective

gunjanklairr — 2024-06-11 04:27:38 UTC

When a member of a family gets diagnosed with a disability, it becomes hard for a the family as a whole. Acceptance and support are really important, coming from one's family. However, it has not been possible throughout the history. In the past, individuals with disabilities had to face prejudice, ignorance, isolation and various other forms of abuse. Some of these came from their own families. Disabilities were associated with shame, and families looked upon their disabled family member. Inhumane treatment of individuals with mental disabilities was commonly seen.

In some cultures, it was also believed that disabled children were born with supernatural force and bring good luck. Unfortunately, these views were seen in only isolated places. In most of the cases, they were subjected to torture, and even used as a form of amusement. They were devalued and perceived as less than human.

Most of the disabled individuals were not allowed to be a part of the society. They were cut and sent to nursing homes, away from their family.

However, the 1980s also brought a strong set of rules and advocacy for the rights of the disabled and their right to be treated as functioning members of the society. This decade marked the placement of a number of rules that helped disabled individuals live a respected life within society.

Role of educator

gunjanklairr — 2024-06-11 04:31:23 UTC

Historically, Children with disabilities were seen as a burden and not allowed to be put into schools with normal children. They were put into institutions separate from that of regular educational institutes. However, in the 1980s, an increase in the advocacy for the disabled was seen. A bill passed in Ontario required all the school boards to provide inclusive and specialized programs for disabled children. Scholars like Dunn questioned the segregation of children based on disabilities, which along with other factors lead to integrating special needs children into the main classrooms.

gunjanklairr — 2024-06-11 04:46:18 UTC