AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & DENTISTRY
Different Perceptions of Individuals with Disabilities
Disabilities BY H. BARRY WALDMAN, DDS, MPH, PHD, RICK RADER, MD, FAAIDD, FAADMD, DHL (HON) AND STEVEN P. PERLMAN, DDS, MSCD, DHL (HON)
"The degree to which persons with disabilities are accepted within a society is not directly proportionate to that society's financial resources and/or technical knowhow." 1
Historically, societal perceptions and treatment of persons with disabilities underwent dramatic changes. Among the ancient Greeks, the sick were considered inferior. In his Republic, Plato recommended that off-springs with deformities be put away in some "mysterious unknown places." Early Christian doctrine introduced the view that disease is neither a disgrace nor a punishment for sin but, on the contrary, a means of purification and a way of grace."1 During the 16th century, however, Christians such as Luther and John Calvin indicated that individuals with intellectual disabilities and other persons with disabilities were possessed by evil spirits. These men and other religious leaders of the time often subjected people with disabilities to mental and/or physical pain as a means of exorcising the spirits.
In the 19th century, supporters of social Darwinism opposed state aid to the poor and individuals with disabilities. They reasoned that the preservation of the "unfit" would impede the process of natural selection and tamper with the selection of the "best" or "fittest" elements necessary for progeny.1
In some countries and regions, persons with disabilities are rejected or treated as economic liabilities and grudgingly kept alive
by their families. In other settings, persons with disabilities are tolerated and treated in subsidiary ways. But in different cultures, they were given respected status and allowed to participate to the fullest extent of their capability.1
Variations in the treatment of persons with disabilities are evident in many nations and areas of the world and in other parts of the world.
AFRICA
Depending on the region, children with disabilities are seen either as a gift or punishment from God, or doing something evil during pregnancy. Epilepsy could be construed that the child is possessed or results as part of divine intervention.
- Among the Chagga (Bantu speaking indigenous Africans and the third largest ethnic group in Tanzania) the physically handicapped are perceived as pacifiers of the evil spirits. Hence, care was taken not to harm the individuals with these disabilities.
- As to the citizens of Benin (formerly Dahomey in West Africa), constables are selected from those with obvious physical disabilities. In some communities, children born with disabilities are seen as protected by supernatural forces. As such, they are accepted because they are believed to bring good luck.
- Among the Ga in Ghana, individuals with intellectual disabilities are treated with great kindness.
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE AND DENTISTRY
The American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD) was organized in 2002 to provide a forum for healthcare professionals who provide clinical care to people with neurodevelopmental disorders and intellectual disabilities (ND/ID). The mission of the organization is to improve the quality and assure the parity of healthcare for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders and intellectual disabilities throughout the lifespan.