Dealing with Disabilities

During the Renaissance times, villages didn't know how to "deal" with those with physical, mental, cognitive, etc. disabilities, so they would board them onto ships to "rid" their cities of them. They were then under the supervision of mariners who would take them from port to port and exhibit them for money. This was often referred to as the "Ship of Fools," which was portrayed by Hieronymus Bosch.

These people were viewed as a side show. They were passed from town to town as entertainment. They weren't cared for, they were just dealt with until they found a means to get them out of their town. Researching this information was sickening. However, it was pretty pleasing to realize how far the world has come--we have made leaps and bounds in the improvement of the treatment of people with disabilities, moving toward more holistic civil rights. Nowadays, we have even made movements toward eradicating the "r" word (which is rarely used, and if so, it's normally spoken ignorantly rather than harmfully).

Throughout history, there has never been better opportunities for those with disabilities than today's. In fact, there are laws in place that require services to be provided in schools for those whose disability adversely affects their education. Additionally, there are several programs and sponsored agencies put in place to help them live their most independent lives. However, the attitude is still present in some that they can never improve; even that they are simply to be "dealt" with rather than worked with and helped.

That antiquated belief shows up in the special education realm often. Special educators are frequently referred to as sitters rather than educators. This opinion even rolls over into the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) of the student when they get easy, pointless goals that don't stretch them and generate improvement. People with disabilities can be strong, productive, and even independent members of society if they're given the tools and supports to reach those heights. It's been proven several times, but that value isn't as widespread across the nation and world as it ought to be.

We shouldn't merely "deal" with those with disabilities, just as many societies before us have. The tools are accessible to help people (especially the youth) with disabilities become successful, independent, and live meaningful lives. All we need is enthusiasm and the common belief that high goals can be reached--we can't keep inhibiting.

The painting was taken from https://fineartamerica.com/featured/the-ship-of-fools-hieronymus-bosch.html?product=greeting-card.