The pains and trials of parents who placed their children in institutions are often overlooked and misunderstood. Oftentimes, we falsely assume they placed their children for selfish reasons. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Parents’ Perspectives presents a riveting view of the institutional experience from the unique role of the parent. Parents tell us how they were advised their child had a disability and the professional information, advice and supports they were given. How promises of therapeutic intervention and an education, coupled with isolation and stress, led them to believe placement was best.

As they became aware of the real conditions their children were living in and the lack of promised services, how they succeeded in getting their children out of the institution and into the community.

Produced by the National Historic
Preservation Trust on Mental Retardation.