Preserving Pennsylvania’s History of Disability Rights Advocacy: The Pennhurst Memorial and Preservation Alliance

abstract:Sometimes a dark period of history must be preserved and publicized in order to avoid repeating the mistakes that led to a human tragedy, and this is the case with the notorious Pennhurst State School and Hospital. America endured a sad century and a half of segregating, isolating, overcrowding, and finally neglecting and abusing millions of its citizens with developmental disabilities. This must not be allowed to be hidden or forgotten, and Pennhurst is serving as an iconic symbol that is clear and simple for everyone to learn about and remember. During the past decade, one organization arose that is devoted to memory of the shameful treatment of citizens with disabilities: the Pennhurst Memorial and Preservation Alliance. The organization has utilized many methods of educate the public, and public officials, about the errors of past segregation and institutionalization.