OPWDD Willowbrook Class

Course Length: 26 minutes

Course Description: This course explores the history of Willowbrook State School as seen in the Willowbrook Documentary aired in 1972. The course teaches participants about the policies and regulations that come as a result of the abuse and neglect uncovered in the documentary. The course also provides a brief history of how large states such as NY and California have shifted from the Institutional settings to the smaller group home settings that we utilize today. As a result of the outrage that came from the documentary, lawsuits ensued against NY State. The lawsuits served as a catalyst for the State of New York to reform its service system for people with Developmental Disabilities, but it also became a symbol for raising the conscience of the nation to support deinsitutionalized care and treatment and to establish high standards for humane conditions both in residential settings and institutional environments.

Have Questions? Questions are always welcomed and encouraged. If you have any questions about any information provided, please contact Training Department, via email at TRAINING@welllifenetwork.org or call us at (347) 542-5610, and we will provide assistance.