Dehumanization, discrimination, and segregration
Several disturbing themes dominate centuries of the history of people with developmental disabilities. These recurring themes continue to impact the lives of people with disabilities today and are reflected in the way that the justice system serves the disability community.
People with developmental disabilities are regularly dehumanized and devalued.
Whenever a group of people is deemed less valuable or less important, they become vulnerable to abuse, neglect, discrimination, and exploitation. Stereotypes, misinformation, and a general lack of interest all contribute to a culture of ignorance where people with developmental disabilities are viewed as a single, homogenous group, rather than as individuals with unique abilities, skills, interests, and needs.
Despite a wealth of evidence to the contrary, stereotypes persist that people with disabilities, particularly individuals with developmental disabilities:
- Do not have human feelings and emotions. In essence, that they are less than human.
- Are unable to feel basic physical sensations, such as pain, cold, and hunger.
- Do not make any worthwhile contributions to society and, therefore, are viewed as less valuable.
- Are incapable of making decisions for themselves. Therefore, they should not be allowed to control their finances, own a home, or develop relationships.
People with developmental disabilities encounter discrimination in virtually every area of life.
Whether overt or subtle, discrimination continues. These discriminatory practices often make it difficult for them to:
- Find jobs in the community that pay at least minimum wage, including benefits.
- Have opportunities for promotions and career advancement.
- Find appropriate, safe, accessible housing.
- Access the health care system, receive adequate care or be allowed to make decisions regarding their own care.
- Get access to appropriate communications support.
- Access a free and appropriate public education (FAPE).
- Pursue post secondary education.
Throughout history, people with disabilities have been segregated and isolated.
Historically, people with developmental and other disabilities have been segregated in large residential facilities or institutions, in “special” schools, in the workplace in sheltered workshops and enclaves, and even within their residences. Such segregation was ruled illegal after years of court battles, thanks to the efforts of parents, self advocates and dozens of court challenges.
For over 175 years, people with developmental disabilities were segregated and isolated in large state-run public institutions. In 1962, more than 200,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities were living in such facilities, often in deplorable and inhumane conditions. These conditions were brought to the public’s attention in the 1960s and 1970s through court cases and media exposés, such as Burton Blatt’s 1966 photographic essay Christmas in Purgatory, Bill Baldini’s 1968 exposé on the conditions at Pennhurst, and Geraldo Rivera’s 1972 exposé of the horrific conditions at Willowbrook State School, a state institution on New York’s Staten Island. Despite this new awareness, the effort to close these massive institutions didn’t gain real momentum until the 1980s, when nearly 50 institutions were closed. New Hampshire became the first state to close all of its state-run institutions, replacing them with community-based housing and support services. Minnesota closed its last large state institution in 2000.
Christmas in Purgatory
Explore Burton Blatt’s groundbreaking photo essay, Christmas in Purgatory.
Willowbrook Photo Essay
Willowbrook State School in New York was the subject of the 1972 ABC news exposé. This slideshow of images has been adapted from a video photo essay by William Bronston M.D. made up of images from Willowbrook.
Suffer The Little Children, Pennhurst State Home
Bill Baldini
Eugenics + Social Services—Pennsylvania: The groundbreaking 1968 NBC10 exposé on Pennhurst State School by Bill Baldini.
