American history examined sensitively and skillfully from the bottom up, grounded in the often shabby and sometimes exemplary treatment of disabled individuals.

Nielsen’s (History and Women’s Studies/Univ. of Wisconsin, Green Bay; The Radical Lives of Helen Keller, 2004, etc.) interest in the treatment of the disabled began with research into the political activism of Helen Keller, perhaps the most famous of severely disabled Americans. The author organizes the book chronologically, beginning with the handling of disabled women and men by Native Americans. The disability spectrum within indigenous North American cultures expanded in unwelcome ways as European settlers spread disease among the Indians. Nielsen then moves on to the stories of newly arrived immigrants from Europe and Africa who were not fully functional physically or mentally. "Disability" has always been an elastic term; Nielsen explains how the definitions solidified in the legal and social sense in the 19th and 20th centuries. The definitions would deprive many individuals of full citizenship rights as institutionalization became a trend. That institutionalization fell disproportionately on the enslaved (usually but not always because of skin color), women and those individuals sometimes inaccurately characterized as lunatics or idiots. In a slightly more upbeat chapter, Nielsen explains how those marked as disabled slowly banded together to fight for their civil rights. Slowly, individuals with potential, despite being branded, began to receive educational and vocational opportunities. The final chapter marks the year 1968 as the beginning of improved understanding and enlightened policies. Individuals previously kept out of sight and mind began to enter the mainstream culture.

A lively historical record that fills a gap in the literature.

-Kirkus Review

This is an information-packed read, and emotionally heavy at times. I took a few breaks but couldn't stay away for long. I'm so glad this was written and I hope it's widely read ( )

Four stars for being good, scholarly historical work; the fifth star for being interesting, thought-provoking material that broadened my mind and worldview. Be aware that some of the material in here is kind of harsh (eugenics, forced sterilization, murder and abuse of enslaved people, decimation of the Native population). ( )

I read A disability history of the United States by Kim E. Nielsen, in exchange for review from Netgalley. The book was published by Beacon Press. I chose this book because I have special needs children. I would not consider them disabled but delayed. (My oldest has Autism and ADHD; My youngest has developmental delays. He is not walking or talking yet. He also has fine motor delays. )

The book discusses the history of disabilities--from the definition to stereotypes--to laws--to even discussing the infamous R word (retarded) and other derogatory words. The book also discusses temporary and permanent disabilities. Finally, the book mentions how we should embrace disabled individuals. Everyone has a gift, no matter the age or disorder or disease or disability. Everyone has a light to shine. The author has a daughter with a disability.

People with disabilities desire the same things, everyone else does--social interaction, relationships, acknowledgement, and thanks. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to know more about disabilities.