The Historicness of Disability

July marks disability pride month and for this month I’d like it kick it off with a post going back to the beginning of access.

There has been much discourse over when the presence of humanity began. I don’t think it’s a healed broken leg or piece of painted pottery. I think it’s the show of inclusion, access specifically. Accommodating the built work that may have once outcasted an individual and brining them into the center. Ensuring they are part of the community. 

Ancient societies have shown built methods for inclusion and access.  Ancient Greece utilized a form of equalization payment similar to SSI for disabled individuals. As well as places like the Akropolis Sancturay have ramps allowing for all to engage in the ascent. In indigenous societies it was found that a relative would chew food for others with eating limitations, ensuring the transfer of nutrients. The use of writing tablets were also found to be useful for those who were nonspeaking and HOH in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and other societies with ancient roots. Disabilities are not new, they have been around as long as humans have been, and the need for inclusions as long as that.

We often forget that connection is what gives us humanity. The earliest of mankind has used disability inclusion as a method of community engagement and we must continue this work.