HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

OF INTELLECTUAL
DISABILITY
SUBMITTED TO

MR RAVINDER SAINI

SUBMITTED BY

AKSHIT RANA

221006001
 EARLY CIVILISATION
• The Greek and Roman empires have made references about citizens with intellectual
disabilities since almost 1550 B.C. The treatment of the citizens in these highly advanced
civilizations was brutal. The Father of the family was the one who was in control of
everyone in the family. After a baby was born they were inspected by a council, and if
they were thought to have a disability they were thrown off of a cliff to die on the rocks
below. Children who were different could also be sold.
 THE MIDDLE AGES

• During the beginning of the Renaissance in the 1300's, religion called for more humane
treatment of people with disabilities. Monasteries: and sanctuaries were developed. Even
though people with intellectual disabilities were somewhat protected, they often found
themselves serving for entertainment for the King.
• On the other hand, superstition was common and people were thought to be "filled with
Satan" if they had an intellectual disability
 THE MODERN PERIOD

• Jean-Marc Gaspard Itard, the Father of Special Education, made attempts at educating
and socializing Victor, the wild boy. He pioneered the idea that individuals with
intellectual disabilities are capable of learning.
• Edward Seguin, inspired by Itard, was an advocate for children with disabilities
receiving an education. Seguin immigrated to the U.S and became president of the
Association of Medical Officers of American Institutions for Idiotic and Feebleminded
Persons. Seguin also helped establish facilities for the intellectually disabled several
states.
 PROTECTION VS PESSIMISM

• During the late 19th and early 20th centuries ISOLATED institutions began to become
developed. However, their mission turned from educating the residents to taking on a
custodial role. People with educational disabilities were no longer being prepared to
function in a normal society.
• Living conditions were harsh for the unwanted citizens. The 1960's called for more
humane conditions and treatment of these citizens. A movement for deinstitutionalizing
individuals with intellectual disabilities began in the 1970's.
 TODAY’S SOCIETY

• In todays society there has been legislation that has helped achieve a normalized lifestyles
for citizens with intellectual disabilities.
• They are entitled to an education and live a normal life in more ways then one. They are
able to do whatever they put their minds to!
THANK YOU