People with developmental disabilities in the United States of America

Abstract

The United States history of disabilities is one of remarkable change over the past two centuries. The story of societal perceptions, rights and services is briefly summarized from a socio-political perspective for disabilities generally and for intellectual and developmental disabilities specifically. This interpretation rests upon unique US cultural values and an American context that provided the foundation for the evolution of service models and changing trends. Historical information that describes the disability movement in the US is briefly outlined with special reference to three waves of change in the evolution of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities related to who holds decision-making power. Selected governmental landmark events affecting people with disabilities are reviewed and socio-political changes in perspective are illustrated using the example of reproductive rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.