Reflection- Changing Perspectives of Disability

    During our class session we watched “Suffer the Little Children,” a documentary about the state of institutions in 1968, which focused on the conditions of Pennhurst State School in Pennsylvania. The film delved into the lives of the residents who lived in crowded, harsh conditions due to underfunding, understaffing, and “social indifference” of communities around the United States. 

    Additionally, Bruce Keisling, PhD, the Executive Director of the UTHSC Center for Developmental Disabilities, presented information about the changing perspectives of disabilities from the 1900’s to present. In the 1900’s people viewed people with disabilities as a burden to society, creating crime and poverty. While views have become much more accepting as we’ve come into the 21st century, there is still a long way to go for our society to escape the idea that differences in ability mean that a person is not normal.

    For me, the most impactful part of the class session was seeing the progression of treatment of people with disabilities throughout the last 120 years. It was shocking that it took so many years for change to happen, even after people saw the horrible sights of places like Pennhurst State School on live television. I believe that during my lifetime, my positive experiences of observing others with overwhelmingly supportive and accepting attitudes towards those with disabilities has led me to be poorly informed of the past that preceding individuals had endured. 

    Having learned about the plight of individuals with disabilities, I feel like I would like to take this knowledge into my interactions and actions toward those with disabilities. I feel like as a future Occupational Therapy Practitioner, I will be able to connect with my clients in a more meaningful way and better advocate their needs. I hope to continue to learn about the past and focus on building a more inclusive future.