Between the 14th and 17th centuries, the Renaissance, a period that symbolized rebirth and renewal, saw a significant change in people’s perspective toward the intellectually and developmentally disabled. The mistreatment and contempt for such individuals was by no means completely over. The disabled continued to be subjected to forms of abuse, ridicule and mental harassment. However, the world was slowly but surely beginning to understand and empathize with the conditions of people with developmental disabilities.
The first settlers of the American colonies prohibited disabled people from entering the country, fearing that they would need economic support and would not be able to care for themselves. Even when the American colonies avoided the disabled, they could not prevent disabled babies from being born in the colonies. Children who had already settled in the colonias sometimes showed some form of developmental disability. Finally, a law was passed that allowed families to provide care and treatment for the disabled within their homes. While it was a step forward, people were not allowed to be a part of or interact with their community. The Renaissance was the first time in history that disabled people were considered capable of thinking and learning. Schools and institutions for the disabled were established throughout America and Europe, and attempts were made to educate and treat them. Laws were passed allowing the disabled to be educated, but in segregated schools, far from the main cities and towns. Workhouses were created to shelter and care for beggars, most of whom suffered from some form of disability, and institutionalization of the developmentally disabled, especially those with mental retardation, was encouraged. Most people with intellectual disabilities are sent to such institutes, or “houses of correction,” either for education, treatment, or to live their entire lives. The first hospital with a separate section for intellectual disabilities and mental retardation was founded in Philadelphia in 1771.
Even as the world was slowly waking up to the plight of the developmentally disabled; an attitude of ignorance, contempt and disrespect was still widely prevalent among the population. Disabled people were still not allowed to be part of society and the institutions where they were being treated inevitably became a place where people could go to look at them and make fun of their quirks. In such asylums, institutions and hospitals; the developmentally disabled were kept in basements and on public display; a shameful act that showed flagrant disregard for the plight of those people and violated their freedom. During these years, the world was beginning to show compassion towards the intellectually and developmentally disabled, but there was still a long way to go before such individuals were treated with respect instead of ridicule and revulsion.