Off the map: a critical geography of intellectual disabilities.
A "critical geography of intellectual disabilities" is outlined. Drawing on personal experience and borrowing poetic inspiration, claims about the end of the institutional era for intellectual disabled people are disputed, and the continuing eugenic legacy, complete with its multiple stigmatizing effects, is emphasized. The extent of the social exclusion experienced by many people with intellectual disabilities in the wider community, linked to various poor quality of life indicators, is also given attention. Finally, speculations are raised about how to move beyond the "asylum" and the "ghetto", empowering intellectually disabled people in the process.
Smith
Phil
P
Department of Special Education, Eastern Michigan University, 110 Porter, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA. philrobertovich@yahoo.com
D003688:Deinstitutionalization; D005053:Eugenics; D006801:Humans; D007360:Intelligence; D019989:Persons with Intellectual Disabilities; D011287:Prejudice; D011788:Quality of Life