Our project, which takes form in a zine, seeks to answer the question: “How did perspectives on intellectually disabled people in America change between 1840-1930?”. Central to our project is a timeline tracking the legal, scientific, public health, and education developments towards people with intellectual disabilities. This timeline stands next to primary sources including pamphlets, photographs, letters, books, and research papers. Through displaying these historical pieces we hope readers gain an understanding of medical, legal, social, and scientific perspectives throughout our chosen period of history. This main portion of our project is complimented by “letters from the editors” and “letters to the editor” which bring in world history and disabilities studies perspectives
About the Authors
Born and raised in the L.A. area, Lucy Dewart is finishing her senior year at UCLA, where she is majoring in History and minoring in Society & Genetics, in addition to completing the prerequisites for medical school. She is passionate about the interdisciplinary overlap between science and society which serves as a guide for her academic studies. After she graduates in June, she plans to work as a special education aide before applying to medical school in 2027. Outside of her studies, Lucy can be found reading, baking, running, and practicing yoga.
Katja Brion is a 4th year UCLA student pursuing a degree in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology with a minor in Society and Genetics. She enjoys learning about the molecular mechanisms of disease, the application of ethics in medical spaces, and ways to address health inequity, especially for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Eventually, Katja hopes to work as a physician, researcher, and advocate for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities. In her free time Katja enjoys painting, hiking, and volunteering with Special Olympics. She hopes you enjoy reading, as much as she enjoyed working on this project!.