We learn from history that we learn nothing from history.

George Bernard Shaw

I’m a bit of a nerd. I love history, and always have loved history. From Ancient Greece, Rome, the Byzantine empire through to the Cold War, I find the going ons of humanity fascinating. To my shame, I’ve never explored the history of disability in society though so I decided to do some digging and thought I’d share some interesting pieces of information on how disability was viewed in society, and to ask the question, based on this history, as to how modern we 21^st century human beings really are….

A Brief Canter Through History

Ancient Greece

Let’s start way, way back. In ancient times, disability was often associated with supernatural forces. People believed that disabilities were a punishment from the gods, or that disabled people possessed magical powers. In Ancient Greece, for instance, babies born with disabilities were often left on hillsides to die, a practice known as ‘exposure’. Yet, at the same time, the Oracle at Delphi, a homage to the Greek God Apollo, who was said to be able to tell anyone their future fate, was considered one of the most important figures in ancient Greece, and was often consulted by people with disabilities as such people were thought to have a special connection with the gods. Talk about mixed messages!

In Ancient Greece, the story of Hephaestus, the god of fire and metalworking, provides an interesting insight into how disability was perceived. Hephaestus was the only Greek god with a physical disability – he was depicted as lame, with a foot that was turned backward. Despite this, he was a highly revered figure, known for his craftsmanship and intelligence. He created Zeus’s famed thunderbolts, and armed many of the Greek gods, goddesses and Heroes with some of their most potent weapons. Without him, it may well be the case that the gods and Heroes may well have lost their famous battles – just think about a situation where Heracles is in fact defeated by his 1^st of 12 labours, or Percius ends up being turned to stone by the snake hairred Medusa….the Greek legends wouldn’t quite be the same….

However, the  story of Hephaestus also highlights the harsh realities faced by many people with disabilities in ancient Greece. Hephaestus was thrown from Mount Olympus by his mother, Hera, because of his disability, a reflection of the practice of ‘exposure’ that was common in ancient Greece. He was then given to Aphrodite (the Greek Goddess of love and beauty), as a punishment to her….talk about awful. Despite this, Hephaestus rose to prominence and became one of the most important gods in the Greek pantheon.

If you’re interested in Greek mythology and learning more, I’d definitely recommend Stephen Fry’s  trilogy on Greek mythology (the first book is called Mythos). You can get them in paper or audiobook form. Definitely a good and entertaining read/listen for a beech holiday or long car journey.

Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt was a bit of an outlier in the ancient world when it came to their treatment of people with disabilities. Egyptian society, famous for its medical knowledge, was surprisingly progressive in many ways. Physical disability did not carry the stigma it did in other parts of the ancient world. The Egyptians believed that the gods could inflict disabilities as a punishment but did not view the disabled as cursed or as moral failures. In fact, many people with disabilities held high-ranking positions in Egyptian society. For example, the chief sculptor of Pharaoh Djoser, Khnumhotepwh, built the first pyramid, was described in Egyptian parlance, as a “dwarf” (which back in those days was deemed to be a disability) and was later deified for his achievements.

Additionally, the ancient Egyptians made several medical advancements in the treatment of disabilities. They were among the first to use prosthetics, and there are records of prosthetic toes and limbs being used to aid individuals with missing body parts.

Medieval Madness and The Renaissance and Enlightenment

Fast forward to the Middle Ages, and attitudes towards disability were, unsurprisingly, still a mixed bag. On the one hand, some disabled people were seen as ‘holy fools’, individuals touched by God and therefore possessing special insight. On the other hand, disability was often associated with sin and moral failing. Disabled people were frequently depicted as beggars or objects of pity in art and literature of the time. Not exactly a confidence booster!

The Renaissance was a time of great progress in art, science, and human understanding. However, this progress didn’t necessarily extend to attitudes towards disability. While the Renaissance saw an increased interest in the human body and its workings, this often led to disabled people being treated as objects of curiosity rather than individuals with rights and feelings. For example, conjoined twins were often exhibited in ‘freak shows’ for the amusement of the public. Not cool, Renaissance. Not cool.

During the Enlightenment, there was a shift towards viewing disability as a medical condition rather than a moral failing. This was progress, sort of. However, it also led to the pathologizing of disability, where disabled people were seen as ‘sick’ and in need of ‘curing’. While this attitude was certainly an improvement on the moralistic views of the past, it still fell short of recognizing disabled people as full and equal members of society.

The 19th and 20th Centuries

The 19th and 20th centuries saw a flurry of activity in the disability rights movement. With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, many disabled people found work in factories, which led to greater visibility in society. However, this also led to exploitation and abuse, as disabled workers were often paid less and subjected to harsher working conditions than their non-disabled counterparts (why does this sound familiar…a trend exhibited in history I fear…).

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, unfortunately the eugenics movement gained traction. This movement, which aimed to ‘improve’ the human race by controlling reproduction, led to the forced sterilization and institutionalization of many disabled people. This dark period in history serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of viewing disability as a ‘problem’ to be solved.

The latter half of the 20th century saw significant progress in the disability rights movement. The 1970s and 80s saw the emergence of the Independent Living Movement, which advocated for the rights of disabled people to live independently and participate fully in society. This period also saw the passage of landmark legislation, such as the UK’s Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, which prohibited discrimination against disabled people in employment, public services, and public accommodations.

The 21st Century and Beyond – Progress or Pretense?

In today’s world, we like to think we have evolved significantly from our ancestors, especially regarding our attitudes and treatment of disabled individuals. After all, the 21st century has seen numerous legal changes and awareness campaigns aimed at promoting inclusivity and equity for disabled people. However, a closer look reveals that despite these efforts at a macro level, there has not been much progress in society in general. In some ways, the attitudes of today’s society towards disability are no more developed or progressive than they were in ancient civilizations or during the medieval, renaissance, and 19-20th century societies.

Today, while there is still much work to be done, attitudes towards disability have come a long way in some regards. Many countries have anti-discrimination laws in place to protect the rights of disabled people, and there is greater awareness and understanding of disability issues in the general population. However, there are still many challenges to overcome. Disabled people still face barriers to employment, education, and healthcare, and are often underrepresented in positions of power and influence.

In the 21st century, while many parts of the world have made significant strides in terms of inclusivity and equity for disabled individuals, it’s disheartening to note that some cultures still hold onto attitudes from the past. For instance, in some parts of the world, including my area of heritage, South Asia, disabilities are still associated with superstitions, leading to the marginalization and even ostracization of disabled individuals. This is not only limited to less developed regions; even in some developed countries, disabled individuals still face significant barriers and prejudices. For instance, despite legal protections, many disabled individuals in developed countries still face discrimination in the workplace, public services, and social interactions.

Despite legal changes and awareness campaigns, the reality on the ground for many disabled individuals is far from rosy. Disabled individuals continue to face significant barriers in various areas of life, including employment, education, and healthcare.

Employment is a key area where disabled individuals continue to face significant challenges. Despite legal protections, many disabled individuals find it difficult to secure employment or face discrimination in the workplace. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2020, the employment-population ratio for persons with a disability was 17.9 percent, compared to 61.8 percent for persons without a disability. Furthermore, disabled individuals who are employed often face lower wages, fewer opportunities for career advancement, and less job security than their non-disabled counterparts.

Education is another area where disabled individuals face significant barriers. Despite efforts to promote inclusive education, many disabled students continue to face challenges in accessing quality education. These challenges may include physical barriers, such as inaccessible buildings and transportation, as well as attitudinal barriers, such as low expectations from teachers and peers. As a result, many disabled individuals do not have the opportunity to reach their full potential academically and professionally.

Healthcare is yet another area where disabled individuals face significant challenges. Disabled individuals often face barriers in accessing healthcare services, including physical barriers, such as inaccessible healthcare facilities, and attitudinal barriers, such as discriminatory attitudes from healthcare professionals. As a result, many disabled individuals do not receive the necessary healthcare services, leading to poorer health outcomes.

A Blast from the Past

Surprisingly, some elements of today’s society are still no more developed or progressive than attitudes were in ancient civilizations and past centuries. In ancient Greece, for example, disabled individuals were often marginalized and viewed as inferior. While we have come a long way since then, the marginalization and discrimination faced by disabled individuals today are eerily reminiscent of these ancient attitudes.

Similarly, during the medieval period, disabled individuals were often viewed as objects of pity or charity. Today, despite efforts to promote a more empowering narrative about disability, many disabled individuals still face patronizing attitudes and are often treated as objects of charity rather than as equal members of society.

During the renaissance period, disabled individuals were often treated as objects of curiosity and spectacle. Today, despite efforts to promote a more respectful and dignified narrative about disability, many disabled individuals still face objectification and fetishization, particularly in the media and popular culture.

In the 19-20th centuries, the eugenics movement led to the forced sterilization and institutionalization of many disabled individuals. While we have come a long way since then, the underlying belief that disabled individuals are somehow ‘lesser’ or ‘defective’ still persists in some quarters of society. This is evident in the ongoing debates about assisted suicide and prenatal screening for disabilities, where the value and worth of disabled individuals’ lives are often called into question.

Final Thoughts

Despite significant legal changes and efforts at a macro level to promote inclusivity and equity for disabled individuals, there is still much work to be done. The barriers faced by disabled individuals in various areas of life, including employment, education, and healthcare, highlight the need for a more comprehensive and systemic approach to addressing disability issues.

Moreover, the persistence of outdated and harmful attitudes towards disability, despite increased awareness and education, underscores the need for a more robust and sustained effort to challenge and change these attitudes. This includes addressing the intersectionality of disability with other forms of discrimination, such as racism, sexism, and classism, which often compound the challenges faced by disabled individuals.

Ultimately, creating a more inclusive and equitable society for disabled individuals requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses the underlying systemic issues that contribute to their marginalization. This includes not only legal and policy changes but also a shift in societal attitudes and values towards disability. Only then can we hope to create a society where disabled individuals are fully included and valued as equal members of the community.

*Disclaimer  – The thoughts on this post are mine. They are based off the life experiences, difficulties and challenges of a man having lived with, worked and experienced the world with a sight impairment who is lucky enough to use these for the betterment of disabled individuals and society in general. Other  individuals may have alternative  views to those of my own which will be just as valid as my own.