Historical

 Beginning in the early 1900s, people with intellecutal disabilities d were referred to in derogatory terms such as idiots, feebleminded, or retarded . These names created segregation between the intellectually disabled and the rest of society. Along with referral to derogatory terms, the intellectually disabled wereforced into segregated living. The living conditions of these poorhouses were unsuitable for anyone, but especially those who have trouble advocating and aiding for their needs. 

The history of people with intellectual disabilities began before the 1900s, but the injustice was not recorded until the early 1900s. Along with segregated living, society viewed people with intellectual disabilities as children. The number of people with intellectual disabilities in state-funded institutions grew from around 60,000 in 1930 to 140,000 in 1950. This rapid growth of institutions throughout the 1900s demonstrated the increase in mistreatment that the intellectually disabled faced. 

The issue of segregated living was prominent in the 1900’s but has since been ended. Although the issue of segregation for many intellectually disabled people ended, many people of color who have an intellectual disability still faced racial and intellectual ability discrimination. In the United States, more than half of disabled African Americans have been arrested by the time they turn 28, which is double the risk in comparison to their white disabled counterparts. The social injustice of the mistreatment of the intellectually disabled is greatly affected by the injustices of racial inequality.