Ethics of disability: foundation of the profession of speech-language pathology

Ethics is a continuous and dynamic decision process that ultimately seeks to render a judgment about the morality of human conduct. A genre of applied ethics, social ethics is concerned with promoting societal morality, specifically ensuring the rights of disenfranchised groups such as people with disabilities. This article will examine concepts of ethical theory and practice and also trace the historical development and evolution of social ethics for disability. In its conclusion, this article will highlight the advocacy role of speech and language professionals to ensure an ethical response to disability.