Episode 52: The History of Disability, Lessons from the Past

The passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has often been called a turning point in the history of people with disabilities. In honor of the ADA Anniversary (July 26), this episode will explore significant turning points in the history of disability in America, including an examination of veterans of wars. Veterans are supposed to be outside the usual understanding of disability, but nonetheless, they have experienced distinctive psychological disorders and considerable racial/ethnic discrimination. What can the treatment and perceptions of veterans teach us about disability today?

Join Larry Logue, senior fellow at the Burton Blatt Institute​ - Syracuse University and former professor of history at Mississippi College; and William Myhill, Director of Legal Research and Writing at the Burton Blatt Institute, as they discuss how the treatment of veterans has changed since wounded Civil War veterans camped in front of Lincoln's White House.