People with disabilities before the days of modern rehabilitation medicine: did they pave the way?

Abstract

Prior to the historical appearance of modern comprehensive rehabilitation medicine, people with disabilities were treated at their families' residence or by religious establishments. It is interesting to note some famous severely disabled who succeeded not only to survive against all odds but rather to contribute to their societies and to enter the pages of encyclopedias. The following case studies are randomly selected to reflect the historical position on disability and rehabilitation. The stories of Claudius, Herman von Reichenau, Gottfried von- Berlichingen, Georges Couthon, Aleijadinho, are given along with information on some other famous rulers, Kings and Popes who suffered from various disabilities and deformities.