Individuals with Disabilities

The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle has been quoted as saying,“You can judge a nation by the way it treats its most vulnerable citizens.” In fact, there are numerous quotes that convey similar sentiments. Why is it then that during times of financial uncertainty services and programs necessary to promote and maintain the health and welfare of individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) as well as other vulnerable populations are among the first to face budget cuts or to be eliminated altogether?
Historically, society has relied heavily on institutions to care for individuals with disabilities. The idea that individuals with disabilities could not -- and should not -- be cared for in their communities perpetuated the stigma associated with this population. Over the past three decades, however, there have been continuous efforts made on behalf of better serving individuals with developmental disabilities. Advocates, legislators, and family members joined forces with individuals with developmental disabilities to voice the need for developing and instituting accessible services that would facilitate moves from institutionalization and that would promote and strengthen community inclusion.
The institutionalization of persons with developmental disabilities is readily perceived as a grievous act, qualifying it as a social problem according to the claims making model (Diehm, 2012a). In an attempt to redress many perpetual injustices, oppression, and marginalization of persons with disabilities, advocates and people with disabilities worked together to champion a social movement that led to the birth of the disability rights movement (Winter, 2003). This movement sought to empower those living with disabilities, as we...

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