Willowbrook: the Last Great Disgrace

Many years ago, at a conference about Down syndrome, we were shown a horrific documentary film about how life was in an institution for those who were mentally retarded. I do not remember the name of the film, but I do remember the shock I felt as I watched it. The film went on to explain how this undercover documentary and the efforts of the Kennedy administration completely and forever eliminated this sort of institutionalization.

Tonight, I was trying to find the film and I stumbled across this short clip from a 1972 Geraldo Rivera documentary from 20/20. I'm not sure if it's the same film I saw so long ago, but it certainly paints a grim picture of the lives of those living in institutions in the U.S. until the 1970s.

I know it's difficult to watch, but if you are able, it will give a better understanding of the sort of place where Lynnie and Homan were living.

Here's the link to the short clip (less than 3 minutes):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_sYn8DnlH4

Dubai to Build Replica of Taj Mahal

After reading Beneath a Marble Sky last month about the building of the Taj Mahal, I thought you might find this news article of interest!

Enjoy!

 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-19825332