title: People with disabilities and social work: historical and contemporary issues.
abstract: From the earliest recorded history, people with disabilities have been ostracized, rejected, and discriminated against in society. Although social work has a history rich in advocacy for oppressed people, the profession has been hesitant to become involved with people with disabilities. This article addresses historical and contemporary issues concerning disability. Recent developments in the disability movement, including independent living, are discussed and compared to social work's approaches to disability. Finally, a plea is made to the social work profession and the disability movement to combine efforts to enhance the lives of people with disabilities.
authors.affiliation: Inland Empire School of Social Work and Human Services, Eastern Washington University, Cheney 99004, USA.
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Mackelprang
authors.forename: R O
authors.initials: RO
authors.lastname: Salsgiver
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D001294:Attitude to Health; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D049670:History, 17th Century; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D049691:History, Medieval; D006801:Humans; D008913:Minority Groups; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D012068:Religion and Medicine; D012945:Social Values; D012947:Social Work / Q000266:history / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000639:trends*