From an historical perspective, attitudes toward individuals with disabilities have generally progressed from

Historically, people with disabilities have been excluded from society and have faced neglect, abuse, and stigma.  People with disabilities were excluded from schools, organizations, and many were hospitalized or sent away from their homes.  Today, people with disabilities are included in schools (mainstream; IDEA 2004), organizations, and there are laws that protect people with disabilities from discrimination (American with Disabilities Act).