Ableism is discrimination against people with disabilities. Term coined in 1980s by US feminists, first used in 1986. Middle Ages saw disabled people considered possessed by devil. Eugenics movement in 1800s influenced modern ableism
CRPD opened for signature at UN headquarters in 2007. First comprehensive human rights treaty of 21st century. Requires periodic reporting on treaty implementation by participating countries. Shifts from medical to human rights model of disability
ASL is a complete natural language using hand and face movements. No universal sign language exists, different regions use distinct ones. ASL likely emerged over 200 years ago from local and French sign languages
UN treaty adopted in 2006 to protect rights of persons with disabilities. First UN human rights treaty of 21st century. Developed from decades of disability rights movement. New Zealand played pivotal role in negotiations
Born in Austin, Texas in 1989 with Marfanoid-progeroid-lipodystrophy syndrome. Born prematurely weighing less than 2 pounds 11 ounces. Cannot gain weight and requires eating 5,000-8,000 calories daily. Blind in right eye since age four, vision-impaired in left
Retard originated from Latin verb retardare meaning 'to hinder'. Term became medical term for children with intellectual disabilities in late 19th century. Moron, idiot, cretin, and imbecile were non-offensive alternatives until 1960s