Willowbrook Reflections

Reflections on Unforgotten: Twenty-Five Years After Willowbrook People born with intellectual disabilities and/or special needs have always been a sensitive topic in society for as long as I can remember. I grew up with a friend with Cerebral Palsy and have known people with Down syndrome, and I know the burden both the individual and families carry. I grew up in Brooklyn, New York and have lived here all my life; and I have never heard of “Willowbrook the institution”. This film left me with many emotions: anger, sadness, concerned and most of all wary. Families entrusted Willowbrook to do the right thing. Families were promised education, proper treatment, and essentially a better life for those who were intellectually disabled. The conditions and reality within Willowbrook were anything but that. The individuals were treated with cruelty, negligence and a lack of compassion. With the overwhelming amount of patients, government cuts were made, creating an even worse environment. Many patients became sick, conditions worsen and some even died. Granted, in the 1970’s there was a stigma to “mental retardation” and ignorance to many disorders or conditions. However, this serves no justice in treating people in an inhumane fashion. Families did not know how to help their son or daughter, some were embarrassed and ashamed. These families felt Willowbrook was the answer. I cant help but to draw a connection between Willowbrook and our education system. Parents trust us teachers with their children and believe the school will take every measure to help their child succeed. Policies must be made to protect the rights of individuals with special needs. People like Patti, Luis, and Bernard are beautiful, amazing individuals. They require only patience, love, and compassion. Geraldo Rivera said “All people need is humanity and compassion”, and special education needs reform and continue to improve.