The History of Disabilities: The Birth of Group Homes
appoloniasheppard
Apr 1, 2024
4 min read
The disabled population, despite being highly vulnerable, has a history of enduring discrimination, biases, stigmas, and mistreatment. Parents of children with impairments were frequently encouraged to place their child in an establishment and, in some cases, abandon them, a recommendation that many parents followed due to their restricted choices. These disabled children were not accepted in the schools and were therefore placed in institutions where they faced a century of dehumanizing, abuse, and cruelty within the confines. The institutions had inadequately trained staff with a staff-to-resident ratio of 1 to 20. Abuse, neglect, and sterilization were just a fraction of the torment suffered throughout the years. In 1959, the Bureau of Mental Health was established with the mandate to supervise these institutions. Ten years later, the Mental Retardation and Community Mental Health Centers Construction Act was passed. That marked the inception of established funding and grants for disabled individuals of all ages. In 1969, the Bureau of Mental Retardation and Public Guardianship was established to provide guardianship services. In 1975, children with disabilities were finally included in public education law, along with the establishment of the Bill of Rights for the disabled. However, the mistreatment in these institutions persisted until the mid-1980s or longer, when the law mandated that DHHS offer in-home and community support services for persons with long-term care requirements and case management. Even after all that, Pineland Institution in Maine didn’t close its doors until the 1990’s. Thirty-plus years of abuse, neglect, and exploitation for our disabled children and adults (Pineland, 2000). Thus, the creation of the group home.
It is important to acknowledge the strides that have been made in promoting community inclusion for individuals with disabilities, but it is equally important to recognize that there is still work to be done. Society's attitudes and perceptions towards individuals with disabilities continue to impact their ability to fully participate in community life. Residential group homes were established to provide care and support for individuals with disabilities who may have difficulty living independently. However, it is crucial to recognize that these residential group homes can also be places where abuse, neglect, and exploitation also occur. Individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers need to be aware of the potential risks and signs of mistreatment in residential group homes. By staying informed and vigilant, steps can be taken to protect the well-being and rights of those living with disabilities (Pineland, 2000). One key aspect that directly impacts the quality of care for individuals with disabilities in residential group homes is the compensation and support provided to direct support professionals. These professionals play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and overall quality of life for the residents. However, the current pay rates for direct support professionals in residential group homes often do not reflect the significance of their work. Raising the pay for direct support professionals, will not only recognize the value of their contributions but also attract and retain highly qualified and dedicated individuals in this field. Adequate compensation can also lead to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates, ultimately contributing to a more stable and consistent care environment for individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, increased pay can incentivize professional development and continuous training for direct support professionals, leading to an overall improvement in the quality of care provided (Hewitt, A., & Larson, S. 2007). This can also enhance the level of expertise and specialization within the field, catering to the diverse and specific needs of individuals with disabilities living in residential group homes. In addition to raising pay, it is essential to establish comprehensive support structures for direct support professionals, including access to resources, ongoing training opportunities, and avenues for career advancement. This support system will ultimately contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society where individuals with disabilities receive the care and support, they deserve (U.S. Department of Labor. 2022).
Despite the historical challenges and discrimination, there have been significant triumphs in the disability rights movement, leading to advancements in promoting inclusivity and accessibility. Efforts to address societal stigmas and historical injustices are crucial in creating a more inclusive and equitable society today. By learning from the past, we can work towards a future where individuals with disabilities are valued, included, and provided with equal opportunities for education and participation in society. It is vital to recognize and learn from the historical mistreatment of individuals with disabilities to continue the progress toward a more inclusive and accessible society. Were you aware that parents were encouraged to send their disabled children to institutions? How do you feel about the fact that only thirty years ago, children with disabilities and autism were not welcomed in school? How do you feel about the challenges we have overcome, and do you feel we have come far enough for our disabled population?
References:
Hewitt, A., & Larson, S. (2007). The Direct Support Workforce in Community Supports to Individuals with Developmental Disabilities: Issues, Implications, and Promising Practices. Retrieved from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/mrdd.20151
Comments