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
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