THE D.R.E.A.M Trust’s

ACLHISTADOM
Project

Created by Jacob F Baldwin
2003©

THE BIRTH OF A
HISTORICAL ARCHIVE.
Written by Jacob F Baldwin for the DREAM Trust 19/05/03

Working Title:  The   ACLHISTADOM PROJECT – A Centre of Endeavours and Transformation of Human Potential.  

DISABILITY IN THE BIRTH OF A NATION?

In 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip landed in Farm Cove in an area known as Circular Quay.  In the hulls of the ships were convicts from the “mother land”.  These were convicts, people sentenced to life imprisonment in Van Dieman’s Land.  To be so sentenced you had to be poor, starving or a blight on the community – people commonly known as beggars, some deformed or impaired who were dependent on society handouts and had to survive the harshness of industrialised society.  Thus, the founders of Australia had amongst them people with impairments.  It can be argued that people who had these so-called impairments would die on the way to the colonies.  However, as we know the human spirit is often greater and some did survive.  They may have been blind or limbless, some acquired their impairment during the voyage over as the hulls were crowded, and conditions were not conducive to health.  It is therefore safe to say that when the first fleet arrived with their load of convicts, many of them had hidden, or obvious disabilities.

Taking the above into consideration it could be said that the settlement of Australia was done of the backs of some people who were impaired.  Everyone is aware that Australia was initially a penal colony.  The disability factor is one piece of history which has not been recorded in depth, no acknowledgement has been given to those people who society rejected and in some cases still does reject today.

DISABILITY IN HISTORY

Tracing the history of disability is like uncovering a whole facet of society that shows many differences, strengths and abilities that make up a nation, culture and empire.  The earliest recorded acknowledgement of disability can be seen in a platform-like wheelchair in the 3rd AD in China.  Obviously these devices were used to give mobility to those who either found it difficult or could not walk.  Everyone has heard of Plato, the Greek philosopher who was blind and it can be said that people like Aristotle was eccentric (this point can be argued however someone who runs through the streets naked yelling “eureka eureka” would today be considered quite manic).  The first recorded form of cerebral palsy was of Claudius who lived in Ceasar’s time and who was a very powerful member of council.  Historical records show that Claudius had behaviours such as speech impairment and slow physical reactions that were more than obvious.  To compensate for these impairments Claudius had a mind like a steel trap.  In the same time as Claudius, Julius Caesar was known to have epilepsy, although this may have been caused through lead poisoning as the pipes that delivered water to the upper classes were made of iron which eventually led to the downfall of the Roman Empire.

People like Joan of Ark, who heard voices up until her very death, it is said was suffering from a mental condition called schizophrenia Admiral Hornblower Nelson, England’s leading noble officer of the 1800’s, had one eye missing.  Queen Elizabeth the First is reported to have had developed a condition that scared her neck, thus the tall neck collars that she most commonly wore.  Toulouse Lautrec,, the famous artist of the late 18th century, had a bone and growth condition ( including alcoholism [self inflicted   ) which left him fragile and short of stature.  However, these impairments did not affect the individual’s ability to achieve notoriety.

20th CENTURY ONWARDS

In modern times names like Theodore Roosevelt , who contracted polio prior to becoming President of the United States, led American war-time during World War 2.  Helen Keller, who was deaf and blind, was a leading inspiration to many teachers in the field of special education.  Winston Churchill, one of England’s finest Prime Ministers during World War 2, had epilepsy.

In the 21st Century there have been many stories of people’s achievements despite their perceived disabilities.  Individuals have achieved wondrous creations due to the challenge of overcoming a disabling condition.  The Paralympians have achieved world recognition for their sporting accomplishments.  Individuals have defied the odds, individuals such as Terry Fox who had bone cancer and a subsequent amputation and ran across the United States for charity; sailing around the world single-handed with the condition of paraplegia would have been unheard of in Queen Elizabeth the First’s day; or climbing Mount Everest in a wheelchair.  The stories behind every achievement make for an inspirational lesson for human survival.  One of the lesser known achievements in the field of disabilities is for example society’s policy towards care of those classified as disabled.  This has been achieved through advancement of technology in both aids to living and medical technology which has lead to the acceptance  and inclusion within society of people with classified disabilities.

The history of disability is scattered throughout the journals of the world.  People are beginning to realise that there is a wealth of knowledge and understanding that needs to be understood by society in order to create some form of equanimity in the lives of those that are classified as disabled.  In California in 2002, the world’s first university dedicated solely to the study of disability related topics was established.  Some universities provide degrees in the field of disability.  It can be said that the generic heading ‘Disability’ has achieved notable recognition in academia.  The story of attitude towards people which society considers disabled is a varied and often interesting matter.

DISABILITY AS HISTORY

Disability history needs recognition not only on an academic level but in a social and individual sense.  History, I believe, is the foundation of a developing culture and society.  History records the validity of existence as well as providing a wealth of information that assists in the progress of the future.  The history gives answers to our present existence, answering the whys and wherefores, giving us meaning, building our identities of who we are and stroking our egos.  For some of us, history is tradition and makes us feel good because of belonging.  For people with classified disabilities it is important to belong and to be a part of the big picture, therefore it is essential that an historical perspective is created to assist every level of the community to embrace those who are differently able, those who society once rejected (and still do in some cultures). 

I am therefore proposing that a national and international archive be established to collect and display records and artefacts ranging from the simple to the complex in all areas of disability endeavour.  This archive should reflect the efforts, trials and tribulations of individuals who have challenged the norm of society and in doing so have transformed their disabilities into accepted ability that enhance the spirit of being human.   History in this case will be the final acclamation of people who are classified as disabled as being a valuable part in the fabric of society.

THE PRACTICALITIES OF THE CONCEPT

An in-depth search on the web has revealed very little in the area of history relating to people with a classified disability.  There is a great deal on treatment, causes, policy and medical material relating to the disability topic.  There appears to be no international perspective of the growth of acceptance and importance of the minority group as to the rest of societies.  In the 21st century most western countries have adopted the inclusion of people with classified disabilities into the mainstream of society.  In some developing countries inclusion, recognition and equanimity of people with classified disabilities in society is in drastic contrast to that of the western.  The establishment of an international centre for the collection, display and recording of disability history is required.  Reasons for such a centre are many.  Basically if there is a centre, either physical or in cyberspace or both, the importance of diversity in the human evolution would be greatly enhanced by such practical development.

Identifying this centre as a Museum, Institute or Academy should be chosen carefully.  What will such a centre contain and how will it be developed and what is its purpose?  Finally, how do we get a concept to manifest itself into physical reality.  These are questions that will be attempted to be answered in the following.

WHAT WILL THE CENTRE CONTAIN?

Such a centre would contain records on all matters, big or small, pertaining to the growth and recognition that people with classified disabilities have had in society. 

These records will cover:

• Medical, sociological, psychological and political (policies and legislations)
• Creative; art forms (painting, pottery, modern media such as photography, film/television, drama; writing (fictitious and fact), print media,
• Sport
• Technology and Design both medical and assisted equipment
• Extraordinary endeavours and achievements
• War

These record categories are by no means definitive or exhaustive.

Such a centre would also house an array of displays both historical and up-to-date examples of developments in the field of disability.

HOW AND WHY

The physical reality of this concept will be open to the public so therefore I suggest that assistive technology be used to convey the inclusive and positive value that people with disabilities had and do have in the development and evolution of human beings.  In one sense, the centre would also become a public education peak relating to people with classified disabilities.  In this vain the importance of this centre would enhance other educational facilities or courses relating to the study of disability matters.  The display component of this concept would also attract commercial industries servicing the area of disability and that would create a recording category of its own.  Developing such a concept into physical reality is enormous and needs to be approached as a collective and collaborative effort, as disability by itself is not an attractive drawcard.  The objective of such an effort would be to create out of disability that which can inspire, motivate and stimulate positive attitudes regarding differences and diversity in our society. 

THE PHYSICAL AND SUSTAINABILITY

The physical structure of this facility could house learning centres of excellence in ability studies; provide a show case for the latest ability idiom; provide a purpose built arena for national and international events. The design of this facility would be the ultimate example of barrier free access, using the latest materials and devices.

The commercial and tourist appeal would assist in the self sustainability of this tribute to human hope and ingenuity.

CONTINUUM OF HOPE AND ASPIRATION

My working title for this huge project is “The Aclhistadom”* – A Centre of Endeavours and Transformation of the Human Potential”.   My reasons for using a created word as there is no wording in the English language defining this record of the continuum effect that disability has on society, to show individuals that people who are classified as disabled have been present at all stages of human development.  People and societies who have gone beyond the accepted standards need to be acknowledged in a centre of inspiration and motivation.  Such a centre would be a powerful testimony to the achievements of human potential, spirit and endurance against the odds that would point to mediocrity, if there wasn’t any hope to transform and change lives.

THE CHALLENGE

How to get such a concept into physical reality is a challenge, needing commitment, drive, determination and perseverance from a many people and organisations locally, nationally and internationally.  History and inspiration does not belong to any one person or organisation. History is a valuable resource that is the foundation of all inspiration.  Only as a collective can we hope to build potentials that change our lives especially the lives of others to come.  To keep the momentum going diversity is needed in thought, deed and physical approaches to this concept.  I am seeking assistance in a number of areas so that contributors can help create the reality of this concept.

THE DREAM AND COMMITMENT

Through the DISABILITY RESEARCH, EDUCATION ACCESS AND MOBILITY [ DREAM] Trust, I hope that the realisation of this concept will be established, through the efforts of all concerned who want to keep hope, creativity and inspiration alive to everyone who is considered disabled in our society. The establishment of this concept will have beneficial attributes to the rest of humanity in allowing the development of supportive inclusion of people who are classified as disabled in our society. This establishment will lead to greater acknowledgement of the journey of people through the development of public acceptance, and dignity, resulting in the acknowledgement of great human worth.

The Trustees and I are committed to see this project through to realisation, however your co-operation and assistance is needed.

*THE CONCEPT FACILITY  -  The Aclhistadom

After much deliberation, research and communication with many people it became apparent that a definition, a word had to be developed to describe this centre of transformation. My reasons for this need is starting with a clear definition and category for a facility of great significance. The development of a new word for this facility had to have the essence of the words Academy, history and a large natural space. The Academy means learning and education, History means times past , Alchemy is a changing of elements, a mixture, a blend, turning metal to gold.
The Alchemy needed to change dispar into hope and into the light of positive reality for good – the Aclhistadom.

ACLHISTADOM: -
Definition: a place of enlightenment, history, present and future life; a place of change, a showplace of honour, a place of true education, a place that transforms the mind, body and soul; a pinnacle where all reality dimensions come together in peace, harmony and understanding, where hope and goodness lay and foster without judgment.

 

A SNAP SHOT OF THE ACLHISTADOM

A facility called the Aclhistadom is to be built implementing the maximum standards for disability access as the beginning/base of all areas of designs. Architecturally the facility must be environmentally friendly. The base structure to be both aesthetically pleasing and modular, this is to ensure growth and flexibility. eg to hold exhibitions large and small, convert to meeting/conference areas, store achieves and update technological advances.

The Aclhistadom should be coloured to highlight the area to which it belong geographically eg. Australia’s colours are red yellow and black as well as green.
The building may follow the design of the Southern Cross constellation.

Natural designs and materials or those that do not harm the human sensitivities should be encouraged. Designs using Pyramid, Dome and/or using natural or existing environmental contours should also be encouraged. Where there are no natural environment for such a facility use of environmentally friendly materials and designs will suffice. The Design of all parts of the facility must be energy and cost efficient and adhere to maximum safety standards

Some of the access technologies would include total loop system, moving walkways lifts, ramps, picture signage, tactile contrasting, touch technology, sensitive lighting, audio panels, voice actuated doors, toilet sensors on entry badges

The land and facility should be located near all the most common public amenities.

If there are no suitable locations in central areas land should have sea and mountain views locations, to build and let out public amenities. All grounds should be accessible and gardens, swimming pools, playground equipment, seating, walkways, and view Bays are to be designed with an disability inclusion perspective.

YOU CAN CONTACT THE DREAM TRUST

On 01 61 2 66244055
or by email on adcnet@netbay.com.au

or via post: The DREAM Trust C/- P.O. 111, Byron Bay 2481

About the Author:
Jacob F. Baldwin has been a professional in the field of disability for the last 24 years and has done “everything from A to Z`” during his long and chequered career as a catalyst, consultant to government and organisations, as well as being a counsellor and trainer. He calls himself a Possibilities Consultant. He is the instigator  of the ADC Network concept the first disability portal in Australia and is presently its project leader.  He is Chairperson of ACCENT PTY. and  the DREAM Trust,  is President of the Community Awareness Task Force. Jacob is also on the Board of  ON Q Human Resources Limited (disability employment agency), and is a Technical Expert in Disability assisting Quality Management Auditors.