Historical Overview of IDD Services: Informing the Future

The presenter will provide a historical context on how the understanding and treatment of IDD has evolved over time, from the 19th and 20th centuries when people with IDD were often institutionalized in overcrowded and inhumane facilities, to the eugenics movement in the early 20th century and to the deinstitutionalization movement which saw the integration of people with IDD into community-based settings. Attendees will learn about key pieces of legislation such as The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 that were instrumental in prohibiting discrimination and ensuring access to services and accommodations. The presenter will outline challenges experienced today by Texans with IDD who still face barriers to healthcare, education, and employment, and will also summarize his vision for the future of IDD services in Texas and nationally.