George has mild cerebral palsy. Although he can walk, his gait is awkward and a bit unsteady. He also has an intellectual disability in the mild range. How might George have been treated in each of the following eras? Why do you think so? a) classical Greece b) the Middle Ages c) the Enlightenment d) late 1800s in America e) 1950s in America f) in the IDEA era (current)

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer: Answers will vary; the following is an example of a possible answer.
In general, with a disability in the milder range, it is likely that his conditions would have been largely overlooked throughout much of history, and he would have been cared for within his family setting.
a) classical Greece: he might have been allowed to die, but his mild disability is such that it might have simply been overlooked.
b) the Middle Ages: since his disability is in the mild range, it might not have been noticed; however, he might have been sheltered by monks, or served the function of "fool" in the community.
c) the Enlightenment: he likely would have stayed within his family setting; if they were unable to care for him, he (and they) might have been housed in an asylum.
d) late 1800s in America: unless his disability was creating problems in his family, he would have stayed home; alternatively, he might have been placed in a residential training school environment.
e) 1950s in America: with his level of disability, George would have been a candidate for a public school day class if such existed where he lived, or perhaps a program run by the local Arc; in a rural area, there would likely have been no services.
f) in the IDEA era (current): George would undoubtedly be placed in a program in his neighborhood school; his program of services might be provided within an inclusion classroom, or he might receive his special education services part-time in a resource room or a special class; it is unlikely that he would be served in a self-contained special class or special school