Announcement from Western Pennsylvania Disability History and Action Consortium:
An excellent documentary about the history of institutionalization of people with intellectual disabilities, “I Go Home,” will air Oct. 2, 2016, 3:30 pm, on WQED Pittsburgh.
The video is also available for viewing streaming on WITF’s webpage: I GO HOME VIDEO LINK
For years, children with intellectual disability were not allowed in public schools. Parents were told to send their children with intellectual disability away to institutions. It was not until the late 1960’s that a television expose shed light on what was happening inside the walls of institutions. It was that knowledge that fueled parents and the public to ignite change. Produced by WITF Harrisburg, “I Go Home”uses the story of Pennhurst institution in eastern Pennsylvania as the specific example to tell the larger narrative of the institutionalization movement, the de-institutionalization movement, and the progress toward community-based living — the struggle that continues today.