6257-002-0FM-Final pass.indd

The Story of Intellectual Disability

An Evolution of Meaning, Understanding, and Public Perception

edited by
Michael L. Wehmeyer, PhD

with contributions from
Ellis M. Craig, PhD
Dianne L. Ferguson, PhD
Philip M. Ferguson, PhD
Steven Noll, PhD
Robert L. Schalock, PhD
J. David Smith, PhD
Parnel Wickham, PhD

Contents

1. Introduction to the Intellectual Disability Construct
   Robert L. Schalock ... 1
2. At the Dawn of Civilization: Intellectual Disability in Prehistory and Ancient Times (9000 BCE to 500 CE)
   Ellis M. Craig ... 19
3. Poverty and the Emergence of Charity: Intellectual Disability in the Middle Ages (500 CE to 1500 CE)
   Parnel Wickham ... 47
4. Idiocy and Early Modern Law: Intellectual Disability in Early Modern Times (1500 CE to 1799 CE)
   Parnel Wickham ... 63
5. The Development of Systems of Supports: Intellectual Disability in Middle Modern Times (1800 CE to 1899 CE)
   Philip Ferguson ... 79
6. In Search of a Science: Intellectual Disability in Late Modern Times (1900 to 1930)
   J. David Smith, Steven Noll, and Michael L. Wehmeyer ... 117
7. Isolation, Enlargement, and Economization: Intellectual Disability in Late Modern Times (1930 CE to 1950 CE)
   Michael L. Wehmeyer, Steven Noll, and J. David Smith ... 157
8. The Parent Movement: Late Modern Times (1950 CE to 1980 CE)
   Robert L. Schalock and Michael L. Wehmeyer ... 187
9. The Self-Advocacy Movement: Late Modern Times (1980 CE to Present)
   Dianne Ferguson, Philip Ferguson, and Michael L. Wehmeyer ... 233

About the Editor

Michael L. Wehmeyer, PhD, is professor of special education; director, Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities; and senior scientist, Beach Center on Disability, all at the University of Kansas. He has published 30 books and 290 scholarly articles and book chapters on topics related to self-determination, special education, intellectual disability, and eugenics. He is coauthor of the widely used textbook Exceptional Lives: Special Education in Today’s Schools, published by Merrill/Prentice Hall, now in its seventh edition.

About the Contributors

Ellis M. (Pat) Craig, PhD
Retired from the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation in 2003, Dr. Craig currently consults for intellectual disability programs, conducting diagnostic assessments and behavior programming. He has authored 22 book chapters and articles in professional journals.

Dianne L. Ferguson, PhD
Professor and director of program improvement and accreditation at Chapman University, Dr. Ferguson has expertise in school reform, inclusive practices, and disability studies. She has worked with families, schools, and service systems for individuals with disabilities.

Philip M. Ferguson, PhD
Professor in the College of Educational Studies at Chapman University, Dr. Ferguson has contributed to discussions on the history of disability and inclusive education.

Isolation, Enlargement, and Economization

Intellectual Disability in Late Modern Times (1930 CE to 1950 CE)

J. David Smith, Steven Noll, and Michael L. Wehmeyer

Before the end of World War II, the problems set in motion during 1900–1930 exploded. The number of institutions in America increased by 50%. The size of these institutions dramatically increased, and the population of people who were institutionalized more than doubled. Conditions became dire: overcrowding, lack of privacy, and severe underfunding led to dehumanizing conditions and violations of basic human rights.

By the end of World War II, new conceptualizations of intellectual disability began to emerge, marking a shift from the term 'moron' to 'mental deficiency.' Concurrently, the parent movement started to take shape, advocating for individuals with intellectual disabilities.