From Institution to Inclusion: The Journey to Disability Rights

From Institution to Inclusion: The Journey to Disability Rights

Wednesday, May 27, 2015 From Institution to Inclusion: The Journey to Disability Rights

ABOUT THE EVENT

Camphill Soltane, a non-profit organization based in Chester County, will host “From Institution to Inclusion: The Journey to Disability Rights”, a traveling exhibit sponsored by the Chester County Chapter of Speaking for Ourselves, and presented by The Pennhurst Memorial and Preservation Alliance.

The exhibit consists of a series of twelve panels that tell the story of the Pennhurst State School and Hospital, built in southeastern Pennsylvania in 1908. Over 10,600 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities called Pennhurst home, before its state-ordered closure in 1986. Through photographs, historic recordings and videos, this exhibit explains why Pennhurst and other similar institutions were built, what life was like in a world apart, hidden from the rest of society, and how residents were treated. It discusses the oppression that people with disabilities faced and how awareness, change in attitudes, and legal action by grassroots organizations brought needed changes to a broken system.

A public opening of the exhibit is scheduled on Wednesday, May 27 at 7 pm in Whitsun Hall at Camphill Soltane (located at 224 Nantmeal Rd., Glenmoore). Opening remarks at 7:30 pm will be followed by a panel discussion looking at the past, present and future of the disability rights movement with participants from three Camphill communities, facilitated by Dr. Beth Barol of Widener University. Light refreshments will be served. The exhibit will then be open to the public in the Whitsun Hall Gallery of Camphill Soltane from May 29 – July 22, Mondays through Saturdays 1-8 pm. Visitors are asked to call at least an hour ahead (Jim Colbert at 484-948-9226 or Sean McAloon at 502-751-5972).

The host organization, Camphill Soltane, creates community through living, learning and working with young adults and adults with special needs. More information can be found at www.camphillsoltane.org/DisabilityRightsExhibit.