Disability History

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“About 56.7 million people, 19 percent of the population had a disability in 2010, according to a broad definition of disability, with more than half of them reporting the disability was severe, according to a comprehensive report on this population released today by the U.S. Census Bureau.” (census.gov) I believe there is an enormous divide in our country when it comes to accepting the legitimate need of a better understanding and care for people with disabilities of any race, religion, ethnicity, gender, age, and sexuality. I hope to provide a greater understanding and proper Christian response people with disabilities from every type of background. I hope to compare and contrast the need for Christians to be at the forefront of this movement. This particular issue is …show more content…

History has helped shape and develop various movements in the disability world. We can look back to the founding of our great nation. A man named Stephen Hopkins was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. His famous quote states, “my hands may tremble, but my heart does not.” (NCLD/Y) We move on to the 1800’s where for the first time there is education on physical and mental disorders. The 1800’s brought about lots of change and development for the visual and hearing impaired. The Civil War left 30,000 soldiers as amputees on the Union side alone. This event helped bring awareness to the disability movement. The 1900’s brought about modern advancements and Civil Rights. In 1932, Franklin D. Roosevelt is elected President of the United States of America. In 1948, rehabilitation medicine is created. In 1964, a Civil Rights bill is passed for people with disabilities. In 1965, Medicaid is created for those who suffer from disabilities and to help those with lower incomes. In 1968, the first Special Olympics is held in Chicago and The Architectural Barriers Act of

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