The History of Disability

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01/28/2020
The director of the Boling Center for Development Disabilities, Dr. Bruce Keisling, came to speak to our class today. He shared so many interesting aspects of the history of disability that I did not previously know. He started by explaining how historically disabilities were viewed as delinquency, criminality, insanity, etc. One of the most interesting stories he shared was about our former president John F. Kennedy's sister Rosemary. I had never heard of her. Apparently, Rosemary experienced several developmental issues due to lack of oxygen during birth. Her father kept her issues very quiet as it was seen as shameful to have these issues during that time. He even went as far to elect her for an experimental frontal lobotomy that rendered her mute and unable to walk. Meanwhile, JFK and the rest of her siblings had no idea! It was very intriguing to connect how his experiences motivated him to advocate for people with disabilities. The initiative he started literally created the Boling center that Dr. Keisling works in today. That is so neat! 
Several acts of legislation following the Kennedy administration gave rise to the Disability Rights movement from 1970 to the present. Slogans from the movement like "Nothing about us without us" and organizations such as SABE (Self Advocates Becoming Empowered) really excite me about being an OT. After all, that is our goal...for people to be powerful, confident and independent despite their obstacles!

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