History enriches people and nations. Disability also has history! Considering the obstacles, it is an extraordinary history!
It is no metaphor to say that today we are standing on the shoulders of giants.
181 years ago Rev. Gallaudet demonstrated education for all when the US House of Representatives adjourned for an “exhibition of deaf and dumb teachers and pupils”. Reading President John Quincy Adams' memoirs of that day, including questioning of students by Vice President John C. Calhoun on the “differences between power and right” is frankly captivating.
119 years ago consider assistive technology:
101 years ago the sound of a different drummer:
Disability history is told through personal letters, and articles as well as visual history such as photographs and lithographs. Two on-line friendly resources I have found are:
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12 years ago the President Franklin Roosevelt Memorial was dedicated in Washington DC amid disability controversy. FDR’s reliance on a wheelchair was not publicized during his life, as there was a stigma of weakness and instability associated with any disability.
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"If you would understand anything, observe its beginning and its development." Aristotle
Caregivingly Yours, Patrick Leer
web site: http://caregivinglyyours.com/
videos: http://www.youtube.com/daddyleer
musings: Patrick Ponders ...
web site: http://caregivinglyyours.com/
videos: http://www.youtube.com/daddyleer
fascinating about that museum, Patrick; I think the concepts would help to make more people aware of disabilities; I never thought of diabilty as having a history, but indeed it would.....
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Yes, indeed we have come far!! I might try the goat though. I feel so lucky to be living NOW.
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