Discuss the treatment of persons with physical or health impairments during each of the following time periods: ancient civilization, middle ages, 1800s.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Ans: Answers should include the following:
• Ancient civilization: In ancient civilizations, individuals with physical or health impairments did not often live long. A lack of sophisticated medical treatment made it impossible to treat many of these impairments. Many cultures did not value individuals who were viewed as being incapable of contributing to group survival. Infants were often abandoned to die. Individuals who later developed injury or illness were often ostracized and forced to leave he group. However, some artifacts do indicate that some attempts were made to heal the effects of illness and disability in ancient times.
• Middle ages: During the middle ages, religious influence typically resulted in more humanitarian care. Individuals with disabilities were often viewed as “children of God” and received protection from the Church. However, in some instances, individuals with disabilities were perceived as witches or possessed by evil spirits and were burned at the stake.
• 1800s: In the 1800s, physicians and researchers showed an increased interest in physical disabilities and studied individuals with disabilities to find effective treatments. The first schools were opened for individuals with physical disabilities in the form of residential institutions.