The Presence of Eugenics in Disability/Neurodivergent Policies

Abstract

This poster presentation is meant to introduce the role of eugenics and its influence on policy/legislation relating to individuals and populations of neurodivergence and disability. The issue of eugenics playing an influential role in neurodivergence and disability policy is that it may promote legislation leading to discriminatory practices in communities associated with neurodivergent and/or disabled identities. The methods used to research this issue was reviewing legislation from state and federal databases and verifying if the pieces of legislation contain policies that have a direct on neurodivergent and disabled communities. After conducting a preliminary analysis of legislation introduced by both federal and state governments, our preliminary analysis has found there have been pieces of legislation from different state governments that contain language associated with eugenics. This research is meant to build on current knowledge regarding eugenics and its association with policies relating to communities associated with neurodivergent and/or disabled identities. It is also meant to provide new insight into how neurodivergence and disability policies have evolved throughout our history.

Details

Session 2

3:00pm – 4:30pm

Grand Salon