Abandoned to Their Fate

Understanding the origins of social attitudes toward people who have disabilities is a step toward eliminating stereotypes and exclusionary practices.  Drawing from scholarly records, archives, original photography and popular media, this powerful program traces the policies that shaped the lives of people who have disabilities from the Middle Ages through the 20th century. 

Beginning in the Middle Ages, this program traces the origins of our social stereotypes and exclusionary practices toward people who have disabilities. Video modules, questions and activities are presented on these topics:  

• The history of aesthetic perceptions 

• The history of moral perceptions

• The history of economic perceptions

27 minutes
20-page Viewer’s Guide with content summaries and discussion questions