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"He asked me if I wanted out. I said yeah, do what it takes to get me out." Jamie Beck shared her story about how she ended up living in a nursing home shortly after graduating from high school. She says her father's stage four cancer led to her…

This is a photograph of the exterior of the United States Supreme Court building in Washington, DC. The photo was taken on June 7, 2009 by Mark Fischer (https://www.flickr.com/photos/fischerfotos/).

Dr. Harry Clay Sharp, a prison physician in Jeffersonville, Indiana, was influential in the movement to enact eugenics legislation in Indiana and nationally. He advocated vasectomies as a way to prevent the transmission of "degenerate" traits.…

“Barb was born in 1962 and at that time, there was very little available for people who were multi-handicap,” states Margaret. In the early days, Margaret turned to Crossroads Rehabilitation Center for services for her daughter. After attending St.…

“Barb was born in 1962 and at that time, there was very little available for people who were multi-handicap,” states Margaret. In the early days, Margaret turned to Crossroads Rehabilitation Center for services for her daughter. After attending St.…

“No children were really served in a community setting, in a public school especially children with moderate to severe disabilities,” explains Pat Barber. Pat received her special education degree in the early ‘70s from Indiana University. She…

“No children were really served in a community setting, in a public school especially children with moderate to severe disabilities,” explains Pat Barber. Pat received her special education degree in the early ‘70s from Indiana University. She…

On May 10, 2017, Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb signed Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 390 into law. The passage of Indiana SB 290 “Employment First” legislation made Indiana one of 34 other states promoting employment as the first goal for people with…

This is a photograph of U.S. President John F. Kennedy meeting with the Panel on Mental Retardation in the Fish Room at the White House on October 16, 1962.
Credit: Abbie Rowe, National Park Service / John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and…

This is an undated photograph associated with the institution known as Indiana Asylum for Feeble Minded Children (1879 - 1931) or the Fort Wayne State School for Feeble Minded Youth (renamed in 1931). The photograph depicts boys and young men in what…