In teaching this subject there needs to be the recognition that people with disabilities were once looked down upon, shamed, and even hidden from society. Often, during uncomfortable topics or lessons, many of the details can be glossed over or left out, but in this circumstance, it is important to know what really happened. While many modern establishments are more handicap friendly than in the first half of the twentieth century, there still needs to be growth, this should be a factor of the lesson. If a teacher brings up this subject, they should reinforce the need for respect, equity, and equality. This movement was kickstarted because of a lack of respect and the thought that those with disabilities were not equal to others. This also needs to be taught with the understanding that both parties during this lesson may be uncomfortable and a little unsure, but that is where true growth comes from. Most of history is not comfortable or uplifting, but it is necessary to teach it so that the rising generations can learn from it and prevent any future instanances like this from happening.
An addition to this lesson could be the inclusion of the students' experiences, thoughts, or questions. This may spark a deeper discussion or allow the class to relate to and have a deeper understanding of what they are being taught. The teacher could also have the class look up important and key members of history, culture, science, music, and art, who live and work with disabilities. This could help them to entirely lose the assumption that those who are disabled are incapable of being contributing members of society that need to be hidden away. The purpose of teaching uncomfortable and forgotten events such as these is to enlighten and educate the next generation and set them up to create a more tolerant and accepting society.
Article: https://www.adl.org/education/resources/backgrounders/disability-rights-movement