Historical Context

In the United States, when an individual is unable to work due to medical conditions, they often qualify for one of two disability based programs.

These programs are called SSI and SSD. Essentially, these are government-based insurance programs. Disability programs are also offered through private companies such as Aflac, Geico, or Allstate, but those are only offered to those who have paid a premium, often arranged as part of employment. Each disability program has a different basis, but the one thing they share in common is an attempt to provide support to those who are unable to work. It is easy to take for granted the idea that these programs have been around forever, however they are less than 100 years old, having begun in 1935. It also took 20 years before President Dwight D. Eisenhower fully instated these programs, making them realistically available. So, the history in the United States of providing financial support for the disabled is a new and delicate service. However, when one needs it, they’re always glad it is available, although it may not always work as well as it should. When put in context of how new the program is within our country’s long history, it is clear that we are still ironing out the kinks and wrinkles (Barnhart).