The article offers a critical analysis of how the differences displayed by people with disabilities have been perceived and dealt with in the social, educational, political, and therapeutic realms from ancient times until recent decades, when changes have been observed in Brazil. Whatever the type or degree of disability, we now use the terms 'differently abled' and 'different abilities; reflecting a current trend in terminology that avoids placing emphasis on negative aspects. Based on a historiographic survey, the article indicates how religious thought and practices and the development of medicine and of the notion of normalcy have influenced the social image of people whose bodies are differently abled.