Repository
Heinz History Center
Title Bob Nelkin Collection of ACC-PARC Records Creator
Nelkin, Bob.
Collection Number MSS 1002 Extent
4.5 linear feet
(5 boxes + shelf)
Date 1953-2000 Abstract First formed in 1951, the Allegheny County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children was established as a grassroots organization comprised of the parents of people with disabilities. The aspect of ACC-PARC's daily activities most represented in these records are the efforts of the association to investigate the treatment of people with disabilities at residential care facilities in Western Pennsylvania during the 1960s and 1970s. The Bob Nelkin Collection of ACC-PARC Records is housed in five boxes and arranged into four series and several subseries. Primarily comprised of correspondence, reports, meeting minutes, case files, notes, and news clippings, the records in this collection reflect the disability advocacy initiatives undertaken by ACC-PARC members throughout the late 1960s and 1970s. A portion of this collection has been digitized and can be found online. Language The material in this collection is in English. Author The guide to this collection was written by Sierra Green. Publisher Heinz History Center Address 1212 Smallman St.https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org History
First formed in 1951, the Allegheny County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children (ACC-PARC) was established as a grassroots organization comprised of the parents of people with disabilities. Operating under the name "the Greater Pittsburgh Association of Parents and Friends of the Mentally Retarded," this organization adopted a mission to "promote the general welfare of mentally retarded children of all ages everywhere." In 1956, the association reached non-profit status and changed its name to the Allegheny County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children (ACC-PARC) in order to reflect its affiliation with the statewide advocacy organization. In 1963, ACC-PARC was comprised of over 1,000 active members.
To fulfill its mission, ACC-PARC created a number of services to assist people with disabilities and their families, including diagnostic clinics, education and vocational training, community centers, ongoing research and advocacy efforts, counseling, and recreational activities. Counseling services offered by ACC-PARC often consisted of residential and educational referrals, case screenings, and care recommendations. ACC-PARC's advocacy efforts supported the association's vocational training programs centered on instructing people with disabilities how to perform tasks and become contributors in the workforce. ACC-PARC also chartered buses to facilitate site visits for the families of people with disabilities. In addition to providing ongoing services, ACC-PARC also regularly organized internal conventions to assess ongoing needs of people with disabilities in the region and regularly offered informative programs throughout the year.
To oversee and direct these activities, ACC-PARC was led by elected officers, a board of directors, and various committees, including Residential Care, State Affairs, Personnel, and Membership. Together with elected officers and board members, ACC-PARC's activities were also executed by the association's personnel, which included an executive director.
The aspect of ACC-PARC's daily activities most represented in these records are the efforts of the association to investigate the treatment of people with disabilities at residential care facilities in Western Pennsylvania during the 1960s and 1970s. Prompted by informal reports of mistreatment, ACC-PARC committee members developed a grassroots strategy to investigate the living conditions of people with disabilities at care facilities throughout the region. Overseen by staff member, Bob Nelkin, a small team of ACC-PARC members harnessed leads and reports to inform both announced and unannounced visits to care facilities such as Western State School and Hospital, the Polk Center, the Ridgeview Center, and the Highland Park Center. The leads and reports received by ACC-PARC members often originated from both the parents of residents as well as residential care workers. The visitation teams paid particular attention to residents' living conditions, facility staffing data, sanitary conditions, disciplinary practices, and treatment strategies. Recording their observations directly following their visit, the visitation team then generated formalized notes and reports that reflected their findings. Throughout the course of their visits, the visitation teams discovered that various facilities throughout the region employed the use of strait jackets, restraints, isolation rooms, cattle prods, and other abuses that violated the residents' human rights.
With their observations in hand, ACC-PARC members exposed the inadequacies they discovered by opening communications with a number of entities, including local government legislators, the secretary of the Pennsylvania State Department of Public Welfare (DPW) and members of the local media. In adopting this strategy, ACC-PARC members worked to expose adverse living conditions of people with disabilities in order to affect legislative change that either terminated inadequate care facilities or instituted reform in resident care and staffing.
During his tenure, Bob Nelkin served as associate director of ACC-PARC under executive director Chuck Peters and oversaw the organization's various initiatives, including the residential care facility site visits, the Alternatives to Institutions initiative, the Community Living Arrangement program, and other disability advocacy activities. In this role, Nelkin often corresponded closely with ACC-PARC members, the Pa. State Department of Public Welfare, and local government leaders in order to advance ACC-PARC initiatives.
The chief resident care facilities visited by the team of ACC-PARC members were the Polk Center and the Western State School and Hospital. In some cases, the visitation teams discovered human rights violations such as the use of wooden cages, battery prods, straightjackets, and other restraints. Throughout the early 1970s, ACC-PARC members discovered and exposed inadequate living conditions of residents at the Polk Center. The state of living conditions at Polk as exposed by ACC-PARC visitation team prompted the secretary of the Department of Public Welfare, Helene Wohlgemuth, to make an impromptu visit to the care facility. The conditions she witnessed prompted her to call for the immediate resignation of the Polk Center's superintendent, Dr. James H. McClelland, Jr. The organization's efforts to raise awareness of these conditions prompted an improvement in resident care, including the termination of the use of cages.
The ACC-PARC visitation team turned their attention to living conditions at the Western State School and Hospital (WSSH) throughout the early 1970s. Of primary concern to ACC-PARC members and other visitation task force members were the overcrowded conditions they discovered at the WSSH. As a result of their investigations, ACC-PARC associate executive director, Bob Nelkin published an essay "Death: A Way of Life," that shed light on the recent deaths of WSSH residents caused by staffing deficiencies, negligence, and mistreatment. ACC-PARC's partnership with Washington County Coroner Farrell Jackson sparked a formal joint visitation task force team comprised of mental health professionals in 1974. The notes and reports generated by this task force as well as ACC-PARC visitation team members did much to raise awareness across the state of the deficiencies at WSSH. In addition to reporting and publicizing the adverse conditions at WSSH, ACC-PARC also engaged in legal battles in order to stymie any court attempts to mandate the admission of new residents to WSSH.
In keeping with the mission of their advocacy efforts in Western Pa., ACC-PARC members closely followed the course of a 1974 federal class action lawsuit filed against the Pennhurst State School and Hospital, a residential care facility for the intellectually disabled in Spring City, Pa. Referred to as Halderman vs. Pennhurst State School and Hospital, this case argued that the deplorable living conditions of residents at Pennhurst was in violation of the Pa. Mental Health/Mental Retardation Act of 1966 as well as the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments. Decisions in both the state district (1977) and circuit courts (1979) mandated the closure of Pennhurst and the dispersal of residents to smaller community living facilities. ACC-PARC ardently supported this decision to remove people with disabilities from institutions such as Pennhurst in favor of alternative living arrangements such as group homes and community living arrangements. As a consequence, ACC-PARC members under the direction of Bob Nelkin sustained pressure on state leaders, including Governor Dick Thornburgh, to implement court orders. In 1981, the United State Supreme Court ruled that it could not mandate the dispersal of Pennhurst residents due to the fact that it could not order state officials to observe state laws. Due to this decision, Pennhurst was not closed until December of 1987. Despite this, the Halderman vs. Pennhurst decision still set a precedent that people with disabilities had the right to live in community. In addition to mandating the dispersal of residents, the presiding judge also ordered that reports be conducted to document the adjustment of Pennhurst residents to community living arrangements.
As a result of their visits to the residential care facilities such as WSSH and the Polk Center, ACC-PARC began to advocate for community living arrangements as a viable alternative to institutionalization for people with disabilities. Members embraced debates surrounding zoning for these smaller community living arrangements and underscored the approach of these group homes to cultivate skills among residents.
In 1981, ACC-PARC complied with its parent organization's name change and became the Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC) of Allegheny County. In 1992, the organization once again followed the lead of its umbrella entity and became the Arc Allegheny. Arc Allegheny was later combined with the Arc of Beaver County to become the Arc of Greater Pittsburgh. As of the writing of this finding aid, the Arc of Greater Pittsburgh, the Arc of Westmoreland County, the ACHIEVA Support, and the ACHIEVA Family Trust were children organizations of ACHIEVA.
Scope and Content Notes The Bob Nelkin Collection of ACC-PARC Records is housed in five boxes and arranged into four series and several subseries. Primarily comprised of correspondence, reports, meeting minutes, case files, notes, and news clippings, the records in this collection reflect the disability advocacy initiatives undertaken by ACC-PARC members throughout the late 1960s and 1970s. Among the collection's strengths are the materials in Series II, which contain the records created by ACC-PARC members throughout the course of their efforts to expose social welfare concerns in the residential care facilities they visited in the early 1970s. Series designations consist of Series I. Administrative Records (1953-1983), State School and Hospital (SSH) and Interim Care Committee Records (1972-1997), Series III: Scrapbooks (1966-1975), and Series IV: Photographs (1955-2000).
Arrangement
The Bob Nelkin Collection of ACC-PARC Records is arranged into four series and several subseries.
Series I: Administrative Records (1953-1983) Subseries 1: Topical Files (1975-1982) Series II: State School and Hospital (SSH) and Interim Care Committee Records (1972-1997) Subseries 1: Pennhurst State School and Hospital (1954-1984) Subseries 2: Western State School and Hospital (WSSH) (1967-1984) Subseries 3: Polk Center (1966-1997) Subseries 4: State Schools and Hospitals (SSH) and Interim Care Facilities (1972-1984 Subseries 5: Research (1966-1981 Series III: Scrapbooks (1966-1975) Series IV: Photographs (1955-2000) Conditions Governing Access
Due to the personal information disclosed, case file records have been restricted. Redacted copies of these case file records have been generated and interfiled with the collection.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift from George Pashel in 2013.
Archives accession # 2013.0173
Preferred Citation
Bob Nelkin Collection of ACC-PARC Records, 1953-2000, MSS 1002 , Detre Library and Archives, Senator John Heinz History Center
Processing Information
Preliminary processing by Sierra Green on 1/20/2014. Container list added and finding aid edited by Bryan Brown in 2020.
Conditions Governing Use
Property rights reside with the Senator John Heinz History Center. Literary rights are retained by the creators of the records and their heirs. For permission to reproduce or publish, please contact the Library and Archives of the Senator John Heinz History Center.
Related Materials
Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children, Allegheny County Chapter Records, 1952-1965, AIS.1966.01, Archives Service Center, University of Pittsburgh.
From Wrongs to Rights video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xhvbc55L89I
Existence and Location of Copies
A portion of this collection has been digitized and can be found online.
Subjects Corporate Names Polk Center (Pa.) Pennhurst State School and Hospital (Spring City, Pa.) Western Center (Canonsburg, Pa.) Highland Park Care Center (Pittsburgh, Pa.) Ebensburg State Center (Ebensburg, Pa.) Selinsgrove State Center (Selinsgrove, Pa.) Personal Names Nelkin, Bob. Thornburgh, Dick. (1932-) Thornburgh, Ginny. Jackson, Farrell. Geographic Names Polk (Pa.) Pittsburgh (Pa.) Canonsburg (Pa.) Spring City (Pa.) Other Subjects Social service -- Pennsylvania -- Pittsburgh Social welfare--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh Disability and the disabled--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh Disability law--Pennsylvania People with disabilities--Abuse of--Pennsylvania People with disabilities--Abuse of--Reporting--Pennsylvania Container List Series I. Administrative Records , 1953-1983 Scope and Contents This series is comprised of records such as historical information files, member lists, manuals, correspondence, meeting minutes, notes, reports, program files, civil action suit records, annual plans, speeches, event flyers, newsletters and news clippings that document the administrative activities of ACC-PARC.
The meeting minutes in this series record the functions of various ACC-PARC committees in the 1950s, including the executive board, legal, clinic, and community conference. Correspondence (1975-1983) primarily pertains to ACC-PARC's role in the disability advocacy movement, addressing topics such as the Bill of Rights, Social Security benefits, and behavioral shaping programs. Primary correspondents include local government leaders and the DPW.
Reports include an analysis on Pennsylvania's program for the intellectually disabled (1973) and advocacy reports (1970s). Also included are written speeches (1975-1985) delivered by Gov. Milton Shapp, DPW secretaries Frank Beal and Helen O'Bannon, Ginny Thornburgh, and Allegheny County Commissioner Tom Foerster.
ACC-PARC Historic Information Written by Sara Settler , 1963 Containers Box 1 , Folder 1 PARC History and Case Study of Social Change Movement , c. 1979 Containers Box 1 , Folder 2 Officer and Board Member Lists , 1966-1977 Containers Box 1 , Folder 3 Board and Staff Manual , 1967-1968 Containers Box 1 , Folder 4 Presidents Notes , c. 1966 Containers Box 1 , Folder 5 Executive Board Meeting Minutes , 1953 Containers Box 1 , Folder 6 Clinic Committee Meeting Minutes , 1956 Containers Box 1 , Folder 7 Community Conference Meeting Minutes , 1956 Containers Box 1 , Folder 8 Legal Committee Minutes , 1953 Containers Box 1 , Folder 9 Correspondence , 1975 Containers Box 1 , Folder 10 Correspondence Regarding Bill of Rights , 1975 Containers Box 1 , Folder 11 Recent Litigation Memo , July 11, 1975 Containers Box 1 , Folder 11 Box 1 , Folder 11 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A PARC internal memo that summarizes recent litigation that impacts the lives of residents of state institutions.
Correspondence (Bob Nelkin) Regarding Recognition , 1975 Containers Box 1 , Folder 12 Letter from Peter Polloni to Bob Nelkin , March 11, 1975 Containers Box 1 , Folder 12 Box 1 , Folder 12 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from Peter Polloni, executive director of PARC, thanking Bob Nelkin for forwarding reports and other information to him and to the United States Justice Department.
Correspondence (Bob Nelkin) Regarding Behavioral Shaping Programs , 1975-1976 Containers Box 1 , Folder 13 Letter to Frank Beal from Families and Friends of Southwest Rehabilitation Center , August 19, 1976 Containers Box 1 , Folder 13 Box 1 , Folder 13 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from Families and Friends of Southwest Rehabilitation Center expressing the need for the creation of a behavioral management unit at the institution.
Letter from families of patients at Southwest Rehabilitation Center to Bob Nelkin , July 27, 1976 Containers Box 1 , Folder 13 Box 1 , Folder 13 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A letter requesting Bob Nelkin's advice on advocating for a behavioral care unit at Southwest Rehabilitation Center.
Correspondence Regarding DPW Policy , 1976 Containers Box 1 , Folder 14 Correspondence (Bob Nelkin) Regarding Social Security Benefits , 1976 Containers Box 1 , Folder 15 Correspondence (Bob Nelkin) , 1977-1978 Containers Box 1 , Folder 16 ACC-PARC Recent Benefits to Families Memo , March 28, 1977 Containers Box 1 , Folder 16 Box 1 , Folder 16 , Item 1 Scope and Contents Correspondence from Bob Nelkin to Joan Murdoch listing recent developments that have benefited parents of disabled children.
Correspondence (Bob Nelkin) Regarding MH/MR Program , 1978 Containers Box 1 , Folder 17 Letter from Bob Nelkin to Ellen Siciliano , April 11, 1978 Containers Box 1 , Folder 17 Box 1 , Folder 17 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from Bob Nelkin to Ellen Siciliano regarding a new center for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Monongahela Valley area.
Letter from Bob Nelkin to Representative Richard J. Cessar , March 29, 1978 Containers Box 1 , Folder 17 Box 1 , Folder 17 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A letter from Bob Nelkin to Representative Richard Cessar voicing the concerns of citizens and ACC-PARC regarding a lack of services for citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the emotionally disturbed.
Correspondence , 1982-1983 Containers Box 1 , Folder 18 Letter from Teddi Leiden to Dottie Rowe on Department of Public Welfare Hiring Practices , May 25, 1983 Containers Box 1 , Folder 18 Box 1 , Folder 18 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from Teddi Leiden of ARC Pennsylvania to Dottie Rowe of the Office of Mental Retardation in the Department of Public Welfare regarding the state's hiring practices that led to the employment of individuals who mistreated residents.
PA Licensed Private Facilities List , 1971 Containers Box 1 , Folder 19 Reports: An Analysis of Pennsylvania's Program for the Mentally Retarded , 1973 Containers Box 1 , Folder 20 ACC-PARC Community and Chapter Affairs Program Summary , 1974 Containers Box 1 , Folder 21 Program Summary Community and Chapter Affairs Division , November 1974 Containers Box 1 , Folder 21 Box 1 , Folder 21 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A summary created by ACC-PARC of the existing educational programs, residential care, recreational activities, legislation, and funding for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
ACC-PARC Action Plan for Community Services , 1976 Containers Box 1 , Folder 22 PARC Action Plan for Community Services , October 1976 Containers Box 1 , Folder 22 Box 1 , Folder 22 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A copy of the PARC Action Plan designed to create and ensure superior community residential services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Advocacy Reports and Notes , 1977-1978 Containers Box 1 , Folder 23 ACC-PARC Advocacy Report , March 21, 1978 Containers Box 1 , Folder 23 Box 1 , Folder 23 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A report detailing recent actions and advocacy initiatives undertaken by ACC-PARC.
Proclamation of Retarded Children's Week Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Governor's Proclamation , November 14, 1965 Containers Box 1 , Folder 23 Box 1 , Folder 23 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A copy of the official proclamation from Governor Scranton's office announcing Retarded Children's Week.
Monitoring of Community Living Arrangements in Allegheny County , May 22, 1978 Containers Box 1 , Folder 23 Box 1 , Folder 23 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A draft of a policy designed to monitor and improve community living arrangements in Allegheny County. Includes monitoring methods, funding of monitoring, rationale, and expected results.
Advocacy Slide Presentation , c. 1970-1975 Containers Box 1 , Folder 24 Advocacy Program Description , Undated Containers Box 1 , Folder 25 PL 41-142: Education of All Handicapped Children Act Integration Imperative Report , c. 1977 Containers Box 1 , Folder 26 ACC Mental Health, Mental Retardation Program Annual Plan Development , 1978 Containers Box 1 , Folder 27 Letter from Joan Murdoch to Charles Peters , March 23, 1978 Containers Box 1 , Folder 27 Box 1 , Folder 27 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from Joan Murdoch of ACC-PARC to Charles Peters asking about Allegheny County's MH/MR plan for programs, training programs, and respite care. This letter is a follow up of the meeting Peters had with family members on February 16.
DPW MR Budget Analysis , 1981 Containers Box 1 , Folder 28 DPW Governor Milton Shapp Address , 1975 Containers Box 1 , Folder 29 DPW: Frank Beal Written Address: Challenge , 1975 Containers Box 1 , Folder 30 Excerpt from 1975 Department of Public Welfare Publication Challenge , November-December 1975 Containers Box 1 , Folder 30 Box 1 , Folder 30 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A copy of the November-December 1975 issue of the Department of Public Welfare's Challenge magazine. Topics discussed include community living alternatives, DPW finances, health care, opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and events at state institutions.
Excerpt from 1976 Department of Public Welfare Publication Challenge , November-December 1976 Containers Box 1 , Folder 30 Box 1 , Folder 30 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A copy of the November-December 1976 issue of the Department of Public Welfare's Challenge magazine. Topics discussed include opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, community living alternatives, DPW finances, and events at state institutions.
Excerpt from 1977 Department of Public Welfare Publication Challenge , November-December 1977 Containers Box 1 , Folder 30 Box 1 , Folder 30 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A copy of the November-December 1977 issue of the Department of Public Welfare's Challenge magazine. This issue includes an introductory letter from Secretary Frank Beal and an interview with Peter Polloni.
Excerpts from 1978 Department of Public Welfare Publication Challenge , January-February 1978 Containers Box 1 , Folder 30 Box 1 , Folder 30 , Item 4 Scope and Contents A copy of the January-February 1978 issue of the Department of Public Welfare's Challenge magazine. This issue includes sections that discuss Community Living Arrangements, Family Resource Services, Early Intervention, and Vocational Rehabilitation.
DPW: Frank Beal Remarks to PARC May 1976 , 1976 Containers Box 1 , Folder 31 Speech by The Honorable Frank S. Beal Secretary of Public Welfare at the Mercer County Association for the Retarded, INC. Annual Dinner , May 20, 1976 Containers Box 1 , Folder 31 Box 1 , Folder 31 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A copy of a speech by Frank S. Beal given at the Mercer County Association for the Retarded's Annual Dinner. The speech discusses the future of care for people with disabilities. Beal focuses on the unsustainability of institutions and the need to transition to more community-based residential programs.
DPW: Frank Beal Remarks to PARC November 1976 , 1976 Containers Box 1 , Folder 32 ACC-PARC News Request for Coverage , November 9, 1976 Containers Box 1 , Folder 32 Box 1 , Folder 32 , Item 1 Scope and Contents An ACC-PARC News announcement requesting press coverage for Frank S. Beal's follow-up visit. The third in a series of meetings on a lack of programs, services, and facilities.
ACC-PARC News Release, 1976 Beal Visit , November 4, 1976 Containers Box 1 , Folder 32 Box 1 , Folder 32 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A press release from ACC-PARC about the upcoming visit from Frank S Beal of the Department of Public Welfare. ACC-PARC urges families and community members to attend to show their support for alternatives to institutions.
ACC-PARC Request for Coverage, Dr. Frank Menolascino , November 2, 1976 Containers Box 1 , Folder 32 Box 1 , Folder 32 , Item 3 Scope and Contents An ACC-PARC request for media coverage of the visit of NARC (National Association for the Retarded) president, Dr. Frank Menolascino. Dr. Frank Menolascino was scheduled to speak in Pittsburgh and to receive the Institute of Pennsylvania Hospital Award in recognition of his advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. ACC-PARC hoped to use his visit to draw attention to alternatives to institutionalization.
DPW: Frank S. Beal Testimony , 1977 Containers Box 1 , Folder 33 Ginny Thornburgh Speech and News Clipping Regarding Advocacy , 1979 Containers Box 1 , Folder 34 Governor Thornburgh Address on Human Services , 1978 Containers Box 1 , Folder 35 "Growth, Opportunity; Security: Commitment to Pennsylvania Human Services" Pamphlet , May 10, 1978 Containers Box 1 , Folder 35 Box 1 , Folder 35 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A pamphlet with a statement by Richard L. Thornburgh on the need to ensure the development of, and provide opportunities for all Pennsylvania Citizens during his campaign for Governor of Pennsylvania.
DPW: Helen O'Bannon Speech to ACC-PARC Regarding Advocacy , 1979 Containers Box 1 , Folder 36 Tom Forester Speech Annual Meeting of United Cerebral Palsy Association , 1985 Containers Box 1 , Folder 37 Installation of Officers Program , 1956 Containers Box 1 , Folder 38 Events and Presentations Flyers , 1972 Containers Box 1 , Folder 39 "All You Ever Wanted to Know About Residential Services for the Mentally Retarded but Were Afraid to Ask" Flyer , December 12, 1972 Containers Box 1 , Folder 39 Box 1 , Folder 39 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A flyer for an ACC-PARC hosted event that offered citizens a discussion and presentations on the state of residential care for residents of PA state schools.
The Family Trust Logo , Undated Containers Box 1 , Folder 40 ACC-PARC Newsletters , 1953 Containers Box 1 , Folder 41 ACC-PARC Newsletters , 1956 Containers Box 1 , Folder 42 ACC-PARC Newsletters , 1957 Containers Box 1 , Folder 43 ACC-PARC Newsletters , 1958 Containers Box 1 , Folder 44 PARC Newsletter , 1978 Containers Box 1 , Folder 45 News Clippings , c. 1950-1960 Containers Box 1 , Folder 46 News Clippings , 1958 Containers Box 1 , Folder 47 Children Limited Newspapers , 1963-1965 Containers Box 1 , Folder 48 Miscellaneous News Clippings Summer 1967-January 1984 , 1967-1984 Containers Box 1 , Folder 49 News Clippings , 1976-1977 Containers Box 1 , Folder 50 PA Mental Retardation Program Summary of Achievements , 1978 Containers Box 1 , Folder 74 News Clippings Regarding Opportunity Centers/PARC-Way , 1984-1985 Containers Box 1 , Folder 75 Newsletters: Allegheny Accents , 1974-1976 Containers Box 1 , Folder 76 ACC-PARC Allegheny Accents Newsletter , c. 1975 Containers Box 1 , Folder 76 Box 1 , Folder 76 , Item 1 Scope and Contents An issue of the ACC-PARC's Allegheny Accents newsletter. The newsletter summarizes the events and activities completed by the organization in the year 1975.
ACC-PARC Allegheny Accents Newsletter (2) , April 1976 Containers Box 1 , Folder 76 Box 1 , Folder 76 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A copy of the April 1976 ACC-PARC's Allegheny Accents newsletter. The newsletter summarizes the events, activities, and ongoing issues regarding individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
ACC-PARC Allegheny Accents Newsletter (3) , July 1976 Containers Box 1 , Folder 76 Box 1 , Folder 76 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A copy of the July 1976 ACC-PARC's Allegheny Accents newsletter. The newsletter summarizes the events, activities, and ongoing issues regarding individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Subseries 1. Topical Files , 1974-1982 Scope and Contents This subseries contains administrative records pertaining to certain initiatives undertaken by ACC-PARC. Primarily comprised of correspondence and reports, these files document campaigns and projects on topics such as alternatives to institutions, community living arrangements, and zoning for group homes.
Alternatives to Institutions Campaign Records I , 1976 Containers Box 1 , Folder 51 Alternatives to Institutions Campaign Records II , 1976 Containers Box 1 , Folder 52 Letter About Public Meeting with Frank S. Beal , June 7, 1976 Containers Box 1 , Folder 52 Box 1 , Folder 52 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter that informs the recipients of a meeting with Secretary of Welfare, Frank S. Beal, in downtown Pittsburgh. The letter invites parents and families to share their concerns for their children and demand alternatives to institutions.
"Pretty Words? Or a Real Commitment?" ACC-PARC Handout , June 1976 Containers Box 1 , Folder 52 Box 1 , Folder 52 , Item 2 Scope and Contents An informational handout by ACC-PARC regarding the alternatives to state institutions for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The handout includes quotes by officials from the Department of Public Welfare and facts about the lack of programming and non-institutional residential facilities.
Alternatives to Institutions Campaign Records , 1978 Containers Box 1 , Folder 53 Community Living Arrangements Program Records , 1974-1976 Containers Box 1 , Folder 54 Parents and Guardians of Residents at Western State School and Hospital Position Statement , August 11, 1974 Containers Box 1 , Folder 54 Box 1 , Folder 54 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A position statement by Harry Goldberg, president of the Western State School and Hospital Parents Group, accusing both the state and PARC of misunderstanding and mishandling problems at Western State School and Hospital.
Budget Data for Community Living Arrangements Program, 1974-1977 , c. 1975-1976 Containers Box 1 , Folder 54 Box 1 , Folder 54 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A copy of the data gathered for the Community Living Arrangements Program. The data includes available funds, the number of operation programs, the number of residents in CLAs, and previous living arrangements.
Community Living Arrangements Correspondence , 1974-1979 Containers Box 1 , Folder 55 Community Living Arrangements Residential Services Position Paper , 1980 Containers Box 1 , Folder 56 Community Living Arrangements Residents List , 1982 Containers Box 1 , Folder 57 Group Homes City Planning Commission Minutes , 1977 Containers Box 1 , Folder 58 City Planning Commission Meeting Minutes , October 11, 1977 Containers Box 1 , Folder 58 Box 1 , Folder 58 , Item 1 Scope and Contents Minutes for the City Planning Commission's October 11, 1977 meeting. The Commission discussed the possibility of a group home run by the Children's Aid Home for Special People non-profit. The minutes contain handwritten notes, possibly written by Bob Nelkin, throughout the pages.
News Clippings Regarding Group Homes , 1975 Containers Box 1 , Folder 59 Senate Bill #94 - Zoning for Group Homes Files I , 1977 Containers Box 1 , Folder 60 Senate Bill #94 - Zoning for Group Homes Files II , 1977 Containers Box 1 , Folder 61 Community Living Facilities Task Force Minutes , January 12, 1978 Containers Box 1 , Folder 61 Box 1 , Folder 61 , Item 1 Scope and Contents Minutes from the January 1978 meeting of the Community Living Facilities Task Force, amendments to Senate Bill 94 was discussed. Senate Bill 94 dealt with changing zoning laws to allow group homes in all residential areas in Pennsylvania.
Senate Bill #94 - Zoning for Group Homes Files I , 1978 Containers Box 1 , Folder 62 Letter from Robert Hoffman to Thomas Halloran on legal concerns related to Senate Bill 94 , February 3, 1978 Containers Box 1 , Folder 62 Box 1 , Folder 62 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from Robert Hoffman addressing Thomas Halloran's concern that Senate Bill 94 would allow dangerously mentally ill individuals to live in group homes in all residential areas.
Information Compiled on Senate Bill 94 , c. 1977-1978 Containers Box 1 , Folder 62 Box 1 , Folder 62 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A copy of the information gathered, probably by PARC, used to support Senate Bill 94. Senate Bill 94 allowed the zoning of group homes in all residential areas. This packet includes a cost analysis, statistics from polls, and addresses the concern of property values.
Senate Bill #94 - Zoning for Group Homes Files II , 1978 Containers Box 1 , Folder 63 Legislative Action , March 31, 1978 Containers Box 1 , Folder 63 Box 1 , Folder 63 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A copy of PARC's March 31, 1978 issue of the Legislative Action newsletter. This issue focuses on legislative issues that include discussion on the passage of Senate Bill 94, which allowed zoning for group homes in all residential areas.
House Roll Call on Senate Bill 94 , March 14, 1978 Containers Box 1 , Folder 63 Box 1 , Folder 63 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A copy of the roll call from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives listing how members voted on Senate Bill 94, which the zoning of group homes in all residential areas. Subscribers to PARC's Legislative Action magazine received this roll call with the March 31, 1978 issue.
Community Living Facilities Task Force Minutes (2) , July 14, 1978 Containers Box 1 , Folder 63 Box 1 , Folder 63 , Item 3 Scope and Contents Minutes from the July 1978 meeting of the Community Living Facilities Task Force. The Task Force discussed the City of Pittsburgh's stance on Senate Bill 94, legislation that allowed the zoning of group homes in all residential areas.
Summary in Support of Senate Bill 94 , c. 1978 Containers Box 1 , Folder 63 Box 1 , Folder 63 , Item 4 Scope and Contents A list of people who will be affected by Senate Bill 94 (legislation that allows the zoning of group homes in all residential areas), including individuals with physical disabilities and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages.
Proposed Amendment to Section 1 of Senate Bill 94 , c. 1978 Containers Box 1 , Folder 63 Box 1 , Folder 63 , Item 5 Scope and Contents A proposed amendment to Senate Bill 94's first section specifying the type of individuals with mental illness able to live in group homes zoned for residential areas.
Proposed Amendment to Section 4 of Senate Bill 94 , c. 1978 Containers Box 1 , Folder 63 Box 1 , Folder 63 , Item 6 Scope and Contents A proposed amendment to Section 4 of Senate Bill 94 dealing with provisions for individuals if the nearest group home to them is at capacity.
Senate Bill 94, Group Homes, Zoning , March 14, 1978 Containers Box 1 , Folder 63 Box 1 , Folder 63 , Item 7 Scope and Contents An updated version of Senate Bill 94 with amendments from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Senate Bill 94 allowed the zoning of group homes in all residential areas.
Pennsylvania Legislature: Zoning , 1978 Containers Box 1 , Folder 64 Series II. State School and Hospital (SSH) and Interim Care Committee Records , 1972-1997 Scope and Contents This series primarily consists of meeting minutes, notes, correspondence, reports and case file records that document the activities of ACC-PARC's SSH and Interim Care Committee. The records contained in this series document the efforts of this committee to discover and expose social welfare concerns at residential care facilities for people with disabilities. In particular, the case file records in this series document reports and investigations into human rights violations discovered at residential care facilities.
State Schools and Hospital Interim Care Committee Records I , 1972-1974 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Draft Agreements Between ACC-PARC and Department of Public Welfare Letter from Charles Peters , November 13, 1972 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Box 1 , Folder 65 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A copy of a letter sent to Charles Peters, executive director of ACC-PARC, that contained a draft of agreements between ACC-PARC and the Department of Public Works discussing how the organizations will work together.
Information Gathered for Virginia Thornburgh Interview on Closeup Program , October 24, 1972 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Box 1 , Folder 65 , Item 2 Scope and Contents Background information on ACC-PARC and Virginia Thornburgh for Don Cannon and Bob Sprague, the hosts of the television show Closeup for an upcoming interview.
Questions for Ginny Thornburgh Interview , c. 1972 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Box 1 , Folder 65 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A copy of questions asked and Virginia Thornburgh's answers during a media interview regarding State Centers and integration. Thornburgh was First Vice president of ACC-PARC and chairwoman of ACC-PARC's State School and Hospital and Interim Care Committee at this time.
Parents Training Seminar Flyer , February 1973 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Box 1 , Folder 65 , Item 4 Scope and Contents A flyer advertising ACC-PARC's Parent Training Seminar aimed to inform parents what life entails inside state institutions for their children.
Right to Education in State Institutions Memo from Bob Nelkin , December 13, 1973 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Box 1 , Folder 65 , Item 5 Scope and Contents A memo from Bob Nelkin to the State Schools and Hospitals and Interim Care Committee on recent resolutions at a Harrisburg meeting of the Right to Education Masters.
Children's Rehabilitation Center Unannounced Visit Notes , November 29, 1972 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Box 1 , Folder 65 , Item 6 Scope and Contents Transcribed notes taken during an announced visit by ACC-PARC to the Children's Rehabilitation Center in Butler, PA. Nelkin was a member of this inspection team that observed the condition of the center.
ACC-PARC Residential Services Committee Listing of Objectives Draft , November 28, 1972 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Box 1 , Folder 65 , Item 7 Scope and Contents A list of objectives for the ACC-PARC Residential Services Committee, focusing on reforms to ensure resident's rights for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities residing in state institutions.
Report Concerning A Call About Children's Rehabilitation Center, Butler, PA , December 29, 1972 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Box 1 , Folder 65 , Item 8 Scope and Contents A note by Bob Nelkin regarding a phone call from an employee of the Children's Rehabilitation Center. The employee discussed issues at the center following a strike. This document includes hand-written notes, possibly by Nelkin, inquiring how ACC-PARC reacted to this call.
January 1973 Visit to Children's Rehabilitation Center Notes , January 1, 1973 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Box 1 , Folder 65 , Item 9 Scope and Contents Transcribed notes during a visit by ACC-PARC to Children's Rehabilitation Center in Butler, PA. Bob Nelkin was a member of the visitation team that noted inadequate staffing and programming at the center.
December 1972 Visit to Children's Rehabilitation Center , December 29, 1972 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Box 1 , Folder 65 , Item 10 Scope and Contents Transcribed notes during a visit by ACC-PARC to Children's Rehabilitation Center in Butler, PA during a strike of childcare workers. Bob Nelkin was a member of the visitation team.
Letter from Ralph Meador to Charles Peters , December 21, 1972 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Box 1 , Folder 65 , Item 11 Scope and Contents A letter sent to Charles Peters about the Nancy W. situation at Polk State School and Hospital. Meador agrees that it is inappropriate to restrict communications between residents and their families, and says that this right will be included on the "Bill of Rights" for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Meador also states that he will instruct Dr. McClelland to review and revise his policy on using the telephone.
Letter from Mr. W. to Dr. James R. McClelland , September 28, 1972 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Box 1 , Folder 65 , Item 12 Reforming the State Schools and Interim Care Committee Statement , November 28, 1972 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Box 1 , Folder 65 , Item 13 State School and Hospital and State-Subsidized Interim Care Facilities Memo , December 1, 1972 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Box 1 , Folder 65 , Item 14 Scope and Contents A memo from Charles Peters regarding recent visits to State School and Hospitals and Interim Care Facilities, alternatives to institutions, and the problem of individuals without disabilities placed in state schools and hospitals.
ACC-PARC News Release , November 30, 1972 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Box 1 , Folder 65 , Item 15 Scope and Contents An ACC-PARC news release describing an upcoming educational program hosted by the organization regarding residential services for individuals with disabilities. The program aimed to inform citizens of the life of residents in state schools and institutions.
ACC-PARC President Dr. Norman Mulgrave Memo , October 25, 1972 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Box 1 , Folder 65 , Item 16 Scope and Contents A memo sent by ACC-PARC President Dr. Norman Mulgrave regarding the possibility of a Civil Rights suit between ACC-PARC and the state.
Letter to Kenneth Winograd on Residential Care Facilities , August 24, 1972 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Box 1 , Folder 65 , Item 17 Scope and Contents A letter sent to Kenneth Winograd from Louis Reid on behalf of a group of architects, engineers, and concerned citizens. Reid and these groups asked Winograd to use his influence to permit the use of conventional residences, duplexes, and triplexes as suitable living arrangements for group homes for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Department of Public Welfare News Release Memo , September 17, 1972 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Box 1 , Folder 65 , Item 18 Scope and Contents A memo sent to regional PARC organizations by Patricia Clapp, president of PARC, with copies of a news release from the Department of Public Works regarding state services for persons with disabilities.
Letter from Charles Peters on Investigating Private Institutions , July 25, 1972 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Box 1 , Folder 65 , Item 19 Scope and Contents A letter sent to Robert Casey from Charles Peters regarding the possibilities and logistics of investigating private institutions that provide services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities like the Allegheny Valley School and the Laurel House in Pittsburgh and Fayette County respectively.
Charles Peters Residential Care Memo , July 11, 1972 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Box 1 , Folder 65 , Item 20 Scope and Contents A memo from Charles Peters to the ACC-PARC Board of Directors urging them to bring greater awareness to the plight of Pennsylvanians with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Letter from Virginia Thornburgh to Joseph Diannabell Regarding White Deer Interim Care Facility Visit , July 24, 1972 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Box 1 , Folder 65 , Item 21 Scope and Contents A letter from Virginia Thornburgh, chairwoman of the State School and Hospital and Interim Care Committee, to Joseph Diannabell, director of the White Deer Interim Care Facility, expressing a desire to visit the facility in early August.
State Schools and Hospital and Interim Care Committee Records II , 1972-1974 Containers Box 1 , Folder 66 Memo on Use of Somerset State Hospital , March 13, 1973 Containers Box 1 , Folder 66 Box 1 , Folder 66 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A memo from Bob Nelkin to other ACC-PARC officers regarding the decision to not place individuals with mental illnesses at Somerset State Hospital.
ACC-PARC Residential Care Committee Visit to Idlewood Group Home Notes , November 4, 1973 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Box 1 , Folder 65 , Item 2 Scope and Contents Transcribed notes made by a member of the ACC-PARC Residential Care Committee during a 1973 Visit to Idlewood Group Home.
Nation's MR Institutions Studied Data , c. 1973 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Box 1 , Folder 65 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A copy of a study that ranked the residential care in state institutions across the nation for the fiscal year of 1971.
ACC-PARC Residential Care Committee Meeting Minutes , October 14, 1973 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Box 1 , Folder 65 , Item 4 Scope and Contents Meeting minutes for the ACC-PARC's Residential Care Committee. In this meeting the committee discussed the proposed 9200 regulations for residential service facilities.
Letter from Charles Peters to Ford Thompson Regarding Polk and Western State School and Hospitals , June 18, 1973 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Box 1 , Folder 65 , Item 5 Scope and Contents A letter from Charles Peters, executive director of ACC-PARC, to Ford Thompson of the Department of Public Welfare regarding the conditions at Polk and Western State School and Hospitals. Peters is also offering his goals for the institutions to ensure humane treatment of residents.
Letter from J. Shane Creamer to Charles Peters , May 2, 1972 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Box 1 , Folder 65 , Item 6 Scope and Contents A letter from J. Shane Creamer, Attorney General of Pennsylvania, to Executive Director of ACC-PARC Charles Peters. Creamer informs Peters that he forwarded Peters' letter regarding the state's lien law to the Office of the Deputy Attorney General.
Letter from Charles Peters to J. Shane Creamer, Attorney General of Pennsylvania , April 28, 1972 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Box 1 , Folder 65 , Item 7 Scope and Contents A letter from Charles Peters, executive director of ACC-PARC, to Attorney General of Pennsylvania J. Shane Creamer. Peters asks Creamer about the state's lien law and the ability to claim funds from the family of residents within state schools and hospitals.
Letter from Charles Peters to Thomas Lamb , May 17, 1972 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Box 1 , Folder 65 , Item 8 Scope and Contents A letter from Charles Peters, executive director of ACC-PARC to Pennsylvania State Senator Thomas Lamb. Peters expresses enthusiasm for Lamb's letter about introducing legislation to reform lien laws. Peters suggests removing family financial obligations after the age of 21.
Letter from Thomas Lamb to Charles Peters , May 11, 1972 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Box 1 , Folder 65 , Item 9 Scope and Contents A letter from Pennsylvania State Senator Thomas Lamb to Executive Director of ACC-PARC Charles Peters. Lamb informs Peters that the Department of Welfare and the Department of Justice has no interest in dropping the claims against families of state school residents. However, Lamb states that the governor pledges to eliminate this practice over the next five years.
Letter from ACC-PARC to KDKA Draft , c. 1973 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Box 1 , Folder 65 , Item 10 Scope and Contents A draft of a letter meant to be sent to KDKA, applauding the station for its dedication to the rights of the intellectually disabled. However, the author of this letter informs the station that other complicated issues cause problems for the state schools and hospitals across the state. For example, the author discusses the funding and lack of community program staff.
Parent Training Workshop Ideas , February 24, 1973 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Box 1 , Folder 65 , Item 11 Scope and Contents An image of a list of ideas to raise awareness and ways to improve residential services in state schools and hospitals following a discussion at a parent training workshop.
Dr. Burrow Appointment News Release , March 19, 1973 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Box 1 , Folder 65 , Item 12 Scope and Contents A copy of the Department of Public Welfare's news release regarding the appointment of Dr. Burrow as the acting superintendent of Ebensburg State School and Hospital.
Schedule of Patient Distribution and Costs by Facility as of June 30, 1971 Memo , March 9, 1973 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Box 1 , Folder 65 , Item 13 Scope and Contents A memo sent by Bob Nelkin to members of the State School and Interim Care Committee regarding the number of Allegheny County citizens in different State Institutions, and the costs for care of these citizens.
Draft of Letter to Helene Wohlgemuth Regarding Unannounced Visits , November 19, 1972 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Box 1 , Folder 65 , Item 14 Scope and Contents A draft of a letter for Secretary Wohlgemuth of the Department of Public Welfare regarding unannounced visits to state-run and private institutions. The letter includes recommendations for reviews, training, and licensing.
ACC-PARC News Release (2) , November 14, 1972 Containers Box 1 , Folder 65 Box 1 , Folder 65 , Item 15 Scope and Contents An ACC-PARC press release praising the Department of Public Welfare for investigating interim care facilities, but condemning the decision to place residents in mental health hospitals.
SSH Investigation Team Minutes , 1972 Containers Box 1 , Folder 67 SSH Investigation Team Correspondence , 1972-1975 Containers Box 1 , Folder 68 Letter from Charles Peters to Edward Goldman , October 30, 1972 Containers Box 1 , Folder 68 Box 1 , Folder 68 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from ACC-PARC Executive Director Charles Peters to Edward Goldman of the Department of Public Welfare. Peters informs Goldman on the upcoming plans of the investigation team, and the need to prevent any future incidents.
Letter from Helene Wohlgemuth to Virginia Thornburgh , February 15, 1973 Containers Box 1 , Folder 68 Box 1 , Folder 68 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A letter from Secretary Wohlgemuth to Virginia Thornburgh of ACC-PARC regarding the Department of Public Welfare's task force on interim care.
Meeting with William and Wallace Flood Memo , February 14, 1972 Containers Box 1 , Folder 68 Box 1 , Folder 68 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A memo summarizing a meeting between Stanley Meyers of ACC-PARC, William Flood, president of Enterprises for Social Progress, and his brother Wallace Flood. The trio discussed the operation and issues of Park Nursing Home.
Telegram to Governor Milton Shapp and Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth , October 20, 1972 Containers Box 1 , Folder 68 Box 1 , Folder 68 , Item 4 Scope and Contents A telegram sent to Governor Milton Shapp and Secretary Helen Wohlgemuth of the Department of Public Welfare by a visitation team of ACC-PARC members. The telegram informs the two of dehumanizing conditions at Mountain Top Interim Care Facility.
TPU Staffing Patient Reports , 1976 Containers Box 1 , Folder 69 Easter Seal Society Case File Records , 1978 Containers Box 1 , Folder 70 Jamel D. Case File Records , 1976 Containers Box 1 , Folder 71 Jimmy A. Case File Records , 1975 Containers Box 1 , Folder 72 Case Files and Notes , 1976 Containers Box 1 , Folder 73 Bob Nelkin Memo , February 21, 1973 Containers Box 1 , Folder 73 Box 1 , Folder 73 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A memo from Bob Nelkin to other ACC-PARC members regarding a former Western State School and Hospital resident, Gary, and his experience after transferring out of WSSH.
PA Association for Retarded Children s. PA Civil Action Suit , 1972 Containers Box 1 , Folder 77 Amended Consent Agreement, Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania , February 14, 1972 Containers Box 1 , Folder 77 Box 1 , Folder 77 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A copy of the amended consent agreement in the civil action filed by PARC. The agreement guarantees the right to education for children with developmental and intellectual disabilities under the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Subseries 1. Pennhurst State School and Hospital , 1954-1984 Scope and Contents This subseries is comprised of records that document the case of Halderman vs. Pennhurst and the decisions reached by the courts. Record types include research files, case files, case decision summaries, briefs, accident reports, correspondence, petitions, court orders, visit reports, trial testimony, court transcripts, press releases, and news clippings. In addition, this subseries also includes subsequent reports and other dispersal records that detail the adjustment of Pennhurst residents to community living arrangements. Records in this series are arranged in chronological order to reflect the progression of the case through the court system.
Research Files , 1954-1979 Containers Box 2 , Folder 1 Resident Population , 1970-1977 Containers Box 2 , Folder 2 Dispersal Records , 1977-1982 Containers Box 2 , Folder 3 Case Decision Summary and Compliance Reports , c. 1977-1979 Containers Box 2 , Folder 4 Charles K. Case File , 1976-1982 Containers Box 2 , Folder 5 Pennhurst vs. Halderman Appeals Court: AFL-CIO Brief , 1978 Containers Box 2 , Folder 6 Reports: Accidents , 1978-1979 Containers Box 2 , Folder 7 Report to Court: The Individuals Who Moved from Pennhurst, March 17, 1978 - November 30, 1980 I , 1981 Containers Box 2 , Folder 8 Report to the Court: The Individuals Who Moved from Pennhurst , February 1981 Containers Box 2 , Folder 8 Box 2 , Folder 8 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A report from the Office of the Special Master regarding individuals who moved from Pennhurst to other institutions or community placements between March 17, 1978, and November 30, 1980.
Report to Court: The Individuals Who Moved from Pennhurst, March 17, 1978 - November 30, 1980 II , 1981 Containers Box 2 , Folder 9 Report to Court: The Individuals Who Moved from Pennhurst, March 17, 1978 - November 30, 1980 III , 1981 Containers Box 2 , Folder 10 Letter from Jennifer Howse to Carla Morgan , October 16, 1980 Containers Box 2 , Folder 10 Box 2 , Folder 10 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from Jennifer Howse to Carla Morgan responding to the First Report to the Court on the Individuals Who Moved from Pennhurst. Howse thanks Morgan for the report and asks for follow up information and regular reports.
Report to Court: The Individuals Who Moved from Pennhurst, March 17, 1978 - August 31, 1980 , 1980 Containers Box 2 , Folder 11 Report: Office of Mental Retardation , 1979 Containers Box 2 , Folder 12 Correspondence Regarding Dispersal and Governor Thornburgh , 1979 Containers Box 2 , Folder 13 Letter from Teddi Leiden to Richard Thornburgh , May 11, 1979 Containers Box 2 , Folder 13 Box 2 , Folder 13 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from Teddi Leiden to Richard Thornburgh asking that the governor reconsider his decision to appeal the Halderman v. Pennhurst case.
Letter from Steuart Brown to Governor Thornburgh Regarding Halderman v. Pennhurst , May 15, 1979 Containers Box 2 , Folder 13 Box 2 , Folder 13 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A letter from Steuart Brown on behalf of Delaware County ARC to Governor Thornburgh. Brown disapproves of the decision to appeal the Halderman v. Pennhurst case and cites Virginia Thornburgh's previous work with PARC and de-institutionalization.
Telegram from Elton Atwater to Governor Richard Thornburgh , July 16, 1979 Containers Box 2 , Folder 13 Box 2 , Folder 13 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A telegram from Elton Atwater, president of PARC, to Governor Richard Thornburgh expressing dismay at the decision to appeal the Halderman case.
Correspondence and Reports Regarding Court Orders , 1979-1984 Containers Box 2 , Folder 14 "DPW Sues Pennsylvania Legal Services Center" News Release , July 9, 1981 Containers Box 2 , Folder 14 Box 2 , Folder 14 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A copy of the Welfare Press Office news release regarding the Department of Public Welfare's lawsuit against the Pennsylvania Legal Services Center. The suit aims to hold the legal services for the department to a fixed budget.
Letter from Helen O'Bannon to Elton Atwater , May 26, 1981 Containers Box 2 , Folder 14 Box 2 , Folder 14 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A letter from Secretary Helen O'Bannon to Elton Atwater, president of PARC. O'Bannon makes suggestions to Atwater regarding the proper actions to criticize departments, including her office at the Department of Public Welfare.
Karen Snider Memo Regarding Pennhurst Dispersal , March 20, 1979 Containers Box 2 , Folder 14 Box 2 , Folder 14 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A memo sent by Karen Snider, acting Deputy Secretary for Mental Retardation, regarding plans for the Pennhurst Dispersal and the transferring of the Polk Dispersal from her office to the Office of the Special Master.
Summary of the Events of the Last Twelve Months in the Pennhurst Case , June 8, 1981 Containers Box 2 , Folder 14 Box 2 , Folder 14 , Item 4 Scope and Contents A news release from the Office of the Special Master summarizing the developments in the Pennhurst lawsuit case.
Bob Nelkin Correspondence Dick Thornburgh Regarding Pennhurst , 1979 Containers Box 2 , Folder 15 Letter from Bob Nelkin to Governor Richard Thornburgh , July 27, 1979 Containers Box 2 , Folder 15 Box 2 , Folder 15 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from Bob Nelkin to Governor Thornburgh explaining why he should not go forward with the appeal of the Halderman v. Pennhurst Case. Nelkin uses his knowledge of the Thornburgh family, state policies, history of state institutions, and national laws to make his case.
Halderman v. Pennhurst Appendices , c. 1979 Containers Box 2 , Folder 15 Box 2 , Folder 15 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A scan of the appendices for the Pennhurst Dispersal Court Order including a summary of the court order, the compatibility of Department of Public Welfare Policies with the court order, highlights from the Pennhurst Papers, and information about the Joyce Z. case of the 1970s.
Bob Nelkin Correspondence Regarding Pennhurst Court Orders/Thornburgh , 1980 Containers Box 2 , Folder 16 Letter from Helen O'Bannon to Richard Thornburgh on Pennhurst Mandate , January 29, 1980 Containers Box 2 , Folder 16 Box 2 , Folder 16 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from Secretary Helen O'Bannon to Governor Richard Thornburgh regarding the actions the Department of Public Welfare is currently taking to comply with the court mandate of the previous year. O'Bannon assures Thornburgh that the process will accelerate soon.
Letter from Bob Nelkin to Richard Thornburgh on Pennhurst Mandate , October 27, 1979 Containers Box 2 , Folder 16 Box 2 , Folder 16 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A letter from Bob Nelkin to Governor Richard Thornburgh regarding the lack of Government action on the District Court Mandate for community placements for the 61 children then at Pennhurst. Nelkin mentions that the children who have been placed in community living arrangements in the five months since the mandate is equal to the number of children who have died since then.
DPW: Pennhurst Correspondence , 1979-1980 Containers Box 2 , Folder 17 Letter from Thomas Gilhool to Attorney General Edward Biester , May 4, 1979 Containers Box 2 , Folder 17 Box 2 , Folder 17 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from Thomas Gilhool to Edward G. Biester, Attorney General of Pennsylvania, requesting the state not appeal the decision to close Pennhurst and to create community alternatives instead. This letter details the problems of institutions, the success of community placements. In discussing duty to provide community placement, Mr. Gilhool references the Joyce Z. case.
List of Court Orders Not Complied with by Department of Public Welfare and Plans Not Implemented , c. 1980 Containers Box 2 , Folder 17 Box 2 , Folder 17 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A list of incidences and events between March 1979 and July 1980 that indicate the Department of Public Welfare's lack of compliance with the Pennhurst Dispersal Plan.
Letter from Carla Morgan to Jennifer Howse of the Department of Public Welfare , August 8, 1980 Containers Box 2 , Folder 17 Box 2 , Folder 17 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A letter from Special Master Carla Morgan to Deputy Secretary Jennifer Howse. Morgan is concerned with continuing reports about the treatment of Pennhurst Residents, and the Department of Public Welfare's lack of plans to develop alternatives for residents.
ABC Nightly News Transcript , December 7, 1980 Containers Box 2 , Folder 17 Box 2 , Folder 17 , Item 4 Scope and Contents A transcript for ABC Nightly News with Helen O'Bannon speaking out against Pennhurst dispersal court order and community placement.
Letter from Helen O'Bannon to Judge Raymond Broderick , March 14, 1980 Containers Box 2 , Folder 17 Box 2 , Folder 17 , Item 5 Scope and Contents A letter from Helen O'Bannon to Judge Broderick of the United States District Court regarding the Commonwealth's attempts to negotiate a schedule for the implementation of the 1978 court order following the Halderman v. Pennhurst case.
"Action on Boarding Homes" Article , December 19, 1979 Containers Box 2 , Folder 17 Box 2 , Folder 17 , Item 6 Scope and Contents A Philadelphia Inquirer article regarding boarding home regulation and the actions finally being carried out. The article clipping includes notes from Bob Nelkin and possibly Virginia Thornburgh.
Action Memorandum from Bob Nelkin , May 22, 1979 Containers Box 2 , Folder 17 Box 2 , Folder 17 , Item 7 Scope and Contents A memo from Bob Nelkin and Karen Snider to Helen O'Bannon regarding the Department of Public Welfare's possible actions following Judge Broderick's order. Nelkin advises the DPW to accept and aggressively implement Judge Broderick's court order. The memo includes handwritten notes from O'Bannon.
Pennhurst vs. Halderman Court Appeals Records , 1979 Containers Box 2 , Folder 18 Pennhurst vs. Halderman Appeal Petition , 1979 Containers Box 2 , Folder 19 Pennhurst State School and Hospital vs. Halderman, USA Briefs , 1979-1980 Containers Box 2 , Folder 20 Pennhurst vs. Halderman Special Master's Report Non-Compliance with Court Orders , 1980 Containers Box 2 , Folder 21 Pennhurst vs. Halderman Court Appeal Records , 1980 Containers Box 2 , Folder 22 Pennhurst vs. Halderman Court Order and Memos , 1980 Containers Box 2 , Folder 23 Placement Implementation Records , 1980 Containers Box 2 , Folder 24 Terri Lee Halderman v. Pennhurst State School Court Order , May 1980 Containers Box 2 , Folder 24 Box 2 , Folder 24 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A court order from the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for the Halderman v. Pennhurst State School case. The court order outlines the dispersal of State School and the requirement of the state to provide community placements.
Implementation Order Request Notes , 1980 Containers Box 2 , Folder 25 Report of Visit , 1980 Containers Box 2 , Folder 26 Report of Visit Pennhurst Center , June 28, 1980 Containers Box 2 , Folder 26 Box 2 , Folder 26 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A report of a visit by James D. Clements, M.D., and John W. Cooledge, M.D. to Penhurst State School at the request of the Office of the Special Master. The report notes the gaps in medical records- often before deaths, inappropriate use of drugs, and abuse of residents.
Trial Testimony vs. Investigation Reports , 1977-1980 Containers Box 2 , Folder 27 1977 Trial Testimony and 1980 Pennhurst Death Investigation Comparison , c. 1980 Containers Box 2 , Folder 27 Box 2 , Folder 27 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A comparison between the 1977 Pennhurst trial testimony and the 1980 death investigation. Topics include the inadequacy of records, programming, environmental conditions, and the overuse of drugs.
Pennhurst vs. Halderman U.S. Supreme Court Briefs , 1980 Containers Box 2 , Folder 28 Pennhurst vs. Halderman Appeals Court Records: Motion for Leave , 1980 Containers Box 2 , Folder 29 Pennhurst Study Brief Reports Temple University Developmental Disabilities Center , 1980-1981 Containers Box 2 , Folder 30 Pennhurst Study Brief Report #10: Survey of Families of Clients Deinstitutionalized from the Date of the Court Order to April 30, 1980 , July 31, 1981 Containers Box 2 , Folder 30 Box 2 , Folder 30 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A copy of report #10 on a study done by the Temple University Developmental Disabilities Center following the deinstitutionalization of Pennhurst State School. This report evaluates the feelings of the families of deinstitutionalized former residents of Pennhurst State School.
Pennhurst Study Brief Report #13: Progress of Clients in Community Living Arrangements: Class Members Compared to Others , September 19, 1981 Containers Box 2 , Folder 30 Box 2 , Folder 30 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A copy of report #13 done by Temple University after the court-ordered deinstitutionalization of Pennhurst State School. This report studies the impact of life in Community Living Arrangements on former Pennhurst State School residents.
Pennhurst vs. Halderman Court Memo Records , 1981 Containers Box 2 , Folder 31 Halderman vs. Pennhurst State School and Hospital Plaintiff's Findings , 1981 Containers Box 2 , Folder 32 Plaintiff's Proposed Findings Regarding Contempt for Failure to Pay Costs of Masters, Halderman v. Pennhurst , July 29, 1981 Containers Box 2 , Folder 32 Box 2 , Folder 32 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A copy of findings filed in the Halderman v. Pennhurst case regarding the State of Pennsylvania's failure to pay for the institution of Special Masters to oversee Judge Broderick's order to deinstitutionalize residents of Pennhurst.
Pennhurst vs. Halderman Correspondence/Court Memo Regarding Community Living Arrangement Placements , 1981-1982 Containers Box 2 , Folder 33 Pennhurst vs. Halderman Court Records , 1981-1984 Containers Box 2 , Folder 34 Supreme Court of the United States Pennhurst State School and Hospital v. Halderman et al., On Writ of Certiorari to the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit , November 15, 1982 Containers Box 2 , Folder 34 Box 2 , Folder 34 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A summary of arguments from a lower court taken into consideration by the Supreme Court of the United States in the Halderman v. Pennhurst Appeal.
DPW: Pennhurst Press Release , 1982 Containers Box 2 , Folder 35 Agreement Struck in Pennhurst Care-State to Monitor Placements , February 9, 1982 Containers Box 2 , Folder 35 Box 2 , Folder 35 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A press release from the Welfare Press Office regarding the shifting of responsibilities from the Office of the Special Master to the Department of Public Welfare. After March 1982, the Department of Public Welfare monitored residents who moved into the community.
Individual Habitation Plan Process Draft , 1982 Containers Box 2 , Folder 36 DPW: Pennhurst Monitoring Report , 1982 Containers Box 2 , Folder 37 Dispersal Update: Residents , 1982 Containers Box 2 , Folder 38 Progress in Pennhurst Dispersal , July 31, 1982 Containers Box 2 , Folder 38 Box 2 , Folder 38 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A count of Pennhurst State School residents between March 17, 1978, and July 31, 1982. The count lists residents who have been moved or have died between those dates.
Halderman vs. Pennhurst State School and Hospital Court Transcript , 1982 Containers Box 2 , Folder 39 Pennhurst State School and Hospital vs. Halderman, USA News Clippings , 1978-1983 Containers Box 2 , Folder 40 News Clippings, November 1979 , 1979 Containers Box 2 , Folder 41 News Clippings, December 1979 , 1979 Containers Box 2 , Folder 42 News Clippings, January 1980 , 1980 Containers Box 2 , Folder 43 News Clippings, March 1980 , 1980 Containers Box 2 , Folder 44 News Clippings, May 1980 , 1980 Containers Box 2 , Folder 45 DPW: Pennhurst News Clippings, July 1980 , 1980 Containers Box 2 , Folder 46 "Pennhurst Care Hit in Report" Article , July 16, 1980 Containers Box 2 , Folder 46 Box 2 , Folder 46 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A scan of the "Pennhurst Care Hit in Report" article in The Bulletin newspaper. The article discusses the investigation into recent deaths at Pennhurst State School, concluding that many of these deaths were preventable.
"Pennhurst Problems" Article , July 23, 1980 Containers Box 2 , Folder 46 Box 2 , Folder 46 , Item 2 Scope and Contents An opinion piece titled "Pennhurst Problems" in The Daily Local newspaper. The article discusses the recent problems at Pennhurst State School and the needed reforms for state institutions.
News Clippings, August 1980 , 1980 Containers Box 2 , Folder 47 "Two Doctors Say Pennhurst Uses Drugging as Program Substitute" Article , August 1980 Containers Box 2 , Folder 47 Box 2 , Folder 47 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A scan of the "Two Doctors Say Pennhurst Uses Drugging as Program Substitute" article in the CARC News newsletter on an investigation into Pennhurst center, noting that patients were over-drugged and there was little programming.
DPW: Pennhurst News Clippings , 1981 Containers Box 2 , Folder 48 "O'Bannon Defends Pennhurst" Article , August 1980 Containers Box 2 , Folder 48 Box 2 , Folder 48 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A copy of the "O'Bannon Defends Pennhurst" article in The Evening Phoenix newspaper discussing a press conference held by Helen O'Bannon defending Pennhurst Center and refuting a recent report.
"Senate Cuts Special Master Funds" Article , June 2, 1981 Containers Box 2 , Folder 48 Box 2 , Folder 48 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A scan of the "Senate Cuts Special Master Funds" article in the West Chester Daily Local newspaper discussing the funding cuts to the Office of the Special Master. Senators in favor of the cuts argued that the Office of the Master was unnecessary and believed that the Department of Public Welfare already fulfilled that duty.
"Pa. Aide Stirs Ire of Judge" Article , 1981-07-25 Containers Box 2 , Folder 48 Box 2 , Folder 48 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A copy of the "Pa. Aide Stirs Ire of Judge" article in The Bulletin newspaper discussing the Halderman v. Pennhurst lawsuit and Helen O'Bannon's criticism of the case.
Record of Incidents , 1979 Containers Box 2 , Folder 49 Conversation Notes , Undated Containers Box 2 , Folder 50 Newspaper Headlines , 1981 Containers Box 2 , Folder 51 Subseries 2. Western State School and Hospital (WSSH) , 1967-1984 Scope and Contents This subseries consists of records that document the sustained efforts of ACC-PARC members to investigate, discover, and expose the human rights violations witnessed at WSSH. Records contained in this subseries include WSSH policies, board of trustee resolutions, case files, reports, visitation team notes, correspondence, meeting minutes, and news clippings. Worthy of note are the case files, correspondence, meeting minutes, and reports that demonstrate the inadequate state of living conditions at WSSH. Case file records include information gathered by ACC-PARC and its allies to investigate into death of WSSH residents. Aggregated by Bob Nelkin and the SSH and Interim Care Committee, the records in this subseries were created by various entities, including ACC-PARC, the Joint Visitation Team Task Force, WSSH staff, and community advocates.
In addition, this subseries also contains files pertaining to various topics at WSSH, including Act 75a implementation, construction and expansion records, the Right to Education, and electroshock therapy. This subseries also contains copies of newspaper and magazine articles written to shed light on both the adverse living conditions and deaths at WSSH.
Organizational Chart , c. 1970-1980 Containers Box 3 , Folder 1 Policies: Grievance Procedures , 1973 Containers Box 3 , Folder 2 Board of Trustees Resolutions , 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 3 Daryl S. Case File Records , 1972-1973 Containers Box 3 , Folder 4 Joey G. Case File Records , 1973 Containers Box 3 , Folder 5 Joyce Z. Case Records , 1974-1978 Containers Box 3 , Folder 6 Joyce Z. Case Petition for Civil Court Commitment Under Section 406 of The Mental Health and Mental Retardation Act of 1966 , October 9, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 6 Box 3 , Folder 6 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A copy of the facts and conclusions of the Joyce Z. case. The court ruled that Joyce Z., a child with developmental and intellectual disabilities, was to be placed in a suitable foster home due to the overcrowding in Western State School and Hospital.
Katrina C. Case File Records , 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 7 Mark L. Case File , 1973-1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 8 Letter from Eugene and Carolyn L. to Robert Hiltner , December 23, 1973 Containers Box 3 , Folder 8 Box 3 , Folder 8 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from Eugene and Carolyn L. regarding their son Mark. The couple is concerned for Mark's recent increase and severity of seizures, and that he is not getting the medical attention he needs at Western State School and Hospital.
Letter from Daniel T. to Eugene and Carolyn L. , January 4, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 8 Box 3 , Folder 8 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A letter from Daniel T., a parent of a state school resident, to Eugene and Carolyn L. Daniel T. informs Eugene and Carolyn L. that under the present circumstances, there is little chance that their son Mark will improve in an institution. He informs the couple of the option to seek outside medical consultation for Mark.
Mark S. Case Files , 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 9 Marty H. Case File Records , 1973 Containers Box 3 , Folder 10 Letter from Bob Nelkin to Ralph H. , May 14, 1973 Containers Box 3 , Folder 10 Box 3 , Folder 10 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from Bob Nelkin to Ralph H., parent of a Western State School and Hospital resident. Nelkin tells Mr. H. that he cannot think of an alternative placement for Marty outside of WSSH. Nelkin encourages Mr. H. to contact Allegheny County MH/MR to search for a solution.
Paul G. Case File Records , 1974-1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 11 Letter from John Heinz III to Ginny Thornburgh Regarding Western State School and Hospital Admissions , March 27, 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 11 Box 3 , Folder 11 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from Representative John Heinz III to Virginia Thornburgh of ACC-PARC regarding the admissions to Western State School and Hospital and the future of the institution.
Letter from Robert Hiltner to John Heinz III , March 24, 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 11 Box 3 , Folder 11 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A letter from Robert Hiltner to Representative John Heinz III regarding the overcrowding at Western State School and Hospital and the admission of Mrs. B.'s son, Paul. Hiltner also dismisses Mrs. B.'s assertion that PARC is working against her son.
Letter from Margie B. to John Heinz III , March 4, 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 11 Box 3 , Folder 11 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A letter from Mrs. Margie B. to Representative John Heinz III. Mrs. B. describes the condition of her son Paul, her inability to care for him, and her difficulty getting him admitted to Western State School and Hospital.
Report for Paul G. Inquiry , March 20, 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 11 Box 3 , Folder 11 , Item 4 Scope and Contents A report on Paul G. including his age, status, application to the waiting list. The report concludes with Western State School and Hospital's inability to admit Paul G. due to overcrowding.
Letter from John Heinz III to Robert Hiltner , March 6, 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 11 Box 3 , Folder 11 , Item 5 Scope and Contents A letter from Representative John Heinz III to Robert Hiltner regarding the admission of Paul G. and others to Western State School and Hospital.
Paul J. Case File Records Regarding Death , 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 12 Death of a Resident - Paul Waymont Jenkins Report , November 18, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 12 Box 3 , Folder 12 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A report following the death of Western State School and Hospital resident, Paul Jenkins.
Release of Investigation into the Death of Paul Jenkins , November 15, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 12 Box 3 , Folder 12 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A copy of Farrell Jackson's, Washington County Coroner, results of his investigation into the death of Western State School and Hospital resident Paul Jenkins.
Tony H. Case File Records , 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 13 Mayview/WSSH: Garfield J. Case File Court Records , 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 14 Case Files and Notes , 1972-1976 Containers Box 3 , Folder 15 Notes on Deaths at Western State School and Hospital Between December 1974 and January 1975 , c. February 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 15 Box 3 , Folder 15 , Item 1 Scope and Contents Handwritten notes, possibly by Bob Nelkin, detailing the facts in the deaths of two residents at Western State School and Hospital in December 1974 and January 1975.
Western State School and Hospital Joint Visitation Committee Notes , September 19, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 15 Box 3 , Folder 15 , Item 2 Scope and Contents Handwritten notes, possibly by Bob Nelkin, detailing the number of and interactions of teachers, aides, and patients in various wards at Western State School and Hospital during a visit by the Joint Visitation Committee.
Letter from Elizabeth Carello to Bob Nelkin , July 11, 1973 Containers Box 3 , Folder 15 Box 3 , Folder 15 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A letter from Elizabeth Carello to Bob Nelkin regarding her sister Mary. Carello objects to the consideration of her sister for transitional living.
Case File Records and Notes , 1941-1976 Containers Box 3 , Folder 16 Reports Compiled for Justice Department (Draft) , 1974-1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 17 Memo from Bob Nelkin Regarding Justice Department Investigation , February 27, 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 17 Box 3 , Folder 17 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A memo from Bob Nelkin to Virginia Thornburgh, Harry Goldberg, Norman Mulgrave, Jean Isherwood, Sally Hollyfield, Marlene Burda, Charles Robb, Jim O'Connor, Dan Torisky, Peter Polloni, Doug Spencer, and Ronald Archer requesting any additional documents to include in the report to the Justice Department to aid its investigation into Western State School and Hospital.
Reports Compiled for Justice Department , 1972-1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 18 Runaways at Western State Memo , February 27, 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 18 Box 3 , Folder 18 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A memo from Bob Nelkin to Virginia Thornburgh, Sally Hollyfield, Harry Goldberg, Ronald Archer, and Doug Spencer listing runaways from Western State School and Hospital in July and August 1974.
Letter from Robert Hiltner to Bob Nelkin Regarding Food at Western State School and Hospital , January 30, 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 18 Box 3 , Folder 18 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A letter from Robert Hiltner, superintendent of Western State School and Hospital, to Bob Nelkin addressing numerous questions raised about the quality of Dietary Services at the institution.
Report on Architect's Advisory Committee Meeting , January 22, 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 18 Box 3 , Folder 18 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A report by Bob Nelkin following a meeting of the Architect's Advisory Committee listing the reasons why construction at Western State School and Hospital should stop.
Western State School and Hospital Parents' Group Questions , January 13, 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 18 Box 3 , Folder 18 , Item 4 Scope and Contents A copy of questions from the Wester State School and Hospital Parents' Association following a Joint Visitation Team visit and Liaison Committee meeting. The questions examine the issues with the dietary staff and food served to residents.
Memo and Questions from Western State's Joint Visitation Team Visit , November 13, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 18 Box 3 , Folder 18 , Item 5 Scope and Contents A letter from ACC-PARC President, Virginia Thornburgh, to Robert Hiltner, including questions raised during the Joint Visitation Team's visit regarding food service at Western State School and Hospital - the visit occurred the night of resident Paul Jenkins's death.
Letter from Harry Goldberg to Robert Hiltner Regarding Death Records at Western State School and Hospital , January 13, 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 18 Box 3 , Folder 18 , Item 6 Scope and Contents A letter from Harry Goldberg, president of the Western State School and Hospital Parents Group, questions Superintendent Robert Hiltner about the refusal to release records of two recent deaths at Western State.
Letter from Bob Nelkin to Robert Hiltner on Dietary Practices at Western State School and Hospital , January 6, 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 18 Box 3 , Folder 18 , Item 7 Scope and Contents A letter from Bob Nelkin to Superintendent Robert Hiltner questioning the dietary practices at Western State School and Hospital.
Letter from Jean Isherwood to Reverend Joseph Rogers , December 31, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 18 Box 3 , Folder 18 , Item 8 Scope and Contents A letter from Jean Isherwood to Reverend Joseph Rogers, a member of the Western State School and Hospital Board of Trustees, criticizing the lack of action taken by the staff and Board of Trustees.
Letter from Bob Nelkin to Robert Hiltner on "An Hour Off" , December 30, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 18 Box 3 , Folder 18 , Item 9 Scope and Contents A letter from Bob Nelkin to Western State School and Hospital Superintendent Robert Hiltner advocating "An Hour Off" for recreation with patients for Child Care Aids at the institution.
Western State School and Hospital Liaison Committee Meeting Minutes , December 19, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 18 Box 3 , Folder 18 , Item 10 Scope and Contents Minutes from the Liaison Committee meeting called by parents of Western State School and Hospital residents as a result of concerns about insufficient, low-quality food being served to patients, leading to poor health and weight loss.
Letter from Ruth Scott to Gary Makuch , December 19, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 18 Box 3 , Folder 18 , Item 11 Scope and Contents A letter from Ruth Scott, Assistant Superintendent for Mental Retardation Services at Western State, to Gary Makuch, Special Assistant to the Commissioner of Basic Education, regarding the improvement of care at Western State School and Hospital and the ultimate goal of removing residents of state institutions to group homes.
Memo to Ruth Scott on Food at Western State's Pine Lodge , December 18, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 18 Box 3 , Folder 18 , Item 12 Scope and Contents An internal memo from Joseph McKenna to Ruth Scott on insufficient food at Pine Lodge II at Western State School and Hospital.
Letter from Roger E. Buchanan and Marlene Burda to Donald M. Carroll Jr. , December 16, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 18 Box 3 , Folder 18 , Item 13 Scope and Contents A letter from PARC members Roger Buchanan and Marlene Burda to the Deputy Secretary and Commissioner of Basic Education opposing the expansion of facilities at state schools and hospitals. Refers to Brown vs. Board of Education and notes that "such separate but equal facilities are not equal."
Letter from Roger E. Buchanan to Daniel A. Rohrbach Regarding Education at Hamburg State School and Hospital , December 16, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 18 Box 3 , Folder 18 , Item 14 Scope and Contents A letter from PARC member Roger E. Buchanan to Dr. Daniel Rohrbach expressing PARC's opposition to the construction of new educational facilities at Hamburg State School and Hospital, stating that such facilities would be inferior to facilities for other students.
Letter from Charles Peters to Harry Goldberg , December 5, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 18 Box 3 , Folder 18 , Item 15 Scope and Contents A letter from Charles Peters, Commissioner of Mental Retardation for the Department of Public Welfare, to Harry Goldberg, Western State School and Hospital Parents Group, regarding spoiled candy recently given to patients at Western State.
Letter from Harry and Alice Goldberg to Charles Peters , December 4, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 18 Box 3 , Folder 18 , Item 16 Scope and Contents A letter from Harry and Alice Goldberg to Commissioner of Mental Retardation Charles Peters regarding the absence of the Medical Director at Western State School and Hospital.
Notes on Joint Visitation Team Visit , November 13, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 18 Box 3 , Folder 18 , Item 17 Scope and Contents Notes from the Joint Visitation Team Visit by Harry Goldberg, Virginia Thornburgh, and Bob Nelkin related to dietary concerns at Western State School and Hospital.
Letter from Bob Nelkin to Marjorie Matson, Tom Kerr, and Tony Wettick , November 13, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 18 Box 3 , Folder 18 , Item 18 Scope and Contents A letter from Bob Nelkin to the ACLU protesting the choice of Governor Milton Shapp as Civil Libertarian of the year due to his lack of action to improve the lives of the mentally disabled.
Memo from Charles Peters to Norman J. Taylor Regarding Staffing Issues at Western State School and Hospital , October 8, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 18 Box 3 , Folder 18 , Item 19 Scope and Contents A memo from Commissioner of Mental Retardation Charles Peters to Norman J. Taylor on the overcrowding and understaffing of Western State School and Hospital. Peters discusses several possible remedies for the situation.
Letter from Judge Maurice Cohill to Virginia Thornburgh , October 3, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 18 Box 3 , Folder 18 , Item 20 Scope and Contents A letter to Virginia Thornburgh from Judge Maurice Cohill approving her request to testify on the Joyce Z. case, and directing her to Joyce's attorney.
Letter from Virginia Thornburgh to Judge Maurice Cohill , September 30, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 18 Box 3 , Folder 18 , Item 21 Scope and Contents A letter from Virginia Thornburgh to Judge Maurice Cohill asking to appear as a witness in the Joyce Z. case.
Letter from Marlene Burda to Norman J. Taylor , October 3, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 18 Box 3 , Folder 18 , Item 22 Scope and Contents A letter from PARC Chairwoman Marlene Burda to Deputy Secretary of the Western Region of the Department of Public Welfare Norman Taylor. Burda suggests addressing the situation at Western State School and Hospital, including the creation of a task force to evaluate the institution.
Letter from Harry Goldberg to Norman Taylor , September 27, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 18 Box 3 , Folder 18 , Item 23 Scope and Contents A letter from Harry Goldberg, president of the Western State School and Hospital Parents Group, expressing the Parents Group's and ACC-PARC's disappointment at Norman Taylor and the Department of Public Welfare's disinterest in closing admissions to Western State School and Hospital.
Memo from Robert J. Hiltner to Charles Peters , September 24, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 18 Box 3 , Folder 18 , Item 24 Scope and Contents A memo from Robert J. Hiltner, superintendent of Western State School and Hospital, to Commissioner of Mental Retardation Charles Peters providing admissions statistics for Western State School and Hospital between September 1, 1973, and August 31, 1974.
Letter from Virginia Thornburgh to Judge Maurice Cohill (2) , September 19, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 18 Box 3 , Folder 18 , Item 25 Scope and Contents A letter from Virginia Thornburgh to Judge Maurice Cohill outlining PARC's reasons for advocating for an immediate halt to admissions at Western State School and Hospital.
Closing of Admissions at Western State School and Hospital ACC-PARC Memo , September 17, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 18 Box 3 , Folder 18 , Item 26 Scope and Contents A memo to the ACC-PARC board of directors regarding the decision to advocate for closing admissions to Western State School and Hospital.
Closing of Admissions at Western State School and Hospital ACC-PARC Residential Committee Informational Sheet , c. September 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 18 Box 3 , Folder 18 , Item 27 Scope and Contents An informational sheet from the ACC-PARC Residential Committee regarding the conditions at Western State School and Hospital and the need to close admissions to the institution.
Response from Superintendent Robert J. Hiltner to Western State School's Joint Visitation Committee , June 5, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 18 Box 3 , Folder 18 , Item 28 Scope and Contents A response letter from Robert J. Hiltner, Western State School and Hospital's Superintendent, to the Joint Visitation Committee regarding questions raised by the committee following their February 21, 1974 visit.
Threatened Work Stoppage at Western State School and Hospital Memo , July 20, 1973 Containers Box 3 , Folder 18 Box 3 , Folder 18 , Item 29 Scope and Contents A memo from Charles Peters to the ACC-PARC Board of Directors, detailing the plans mobilization of alternative caregivers in case of a strike by workers at Western State School and Hospital.
State Schools and Hospitals and Interim Care Committee Meeting Minutes , November 28, 1972 Containers Box 3 , Folder 18 Box 3 , Folder 18 , Item 30 Scope and Contents A copy of the meeting minutes for the State Schools and Hospitals Interim Care Committee. The meeting includes sections on Western State School and Hospital, Ridgeview Center, and Stillmeadow School.
Report on Western State School and Hospital , July 5, 1972 Containers Box 3 , Folder 18 Box 3 , Folder 18 , Item 31 Scope and Contents A report on Western State School and Hospital by Bob Nelkin. Nelkin describes the conditions at the institution, the options for remedying the situation and recommends legal action as the most effective means of reform.
Reports: Visitation Team , 1972-1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 19 Letter from Ruth Scott to Harry Goldberg , May 21, 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 19 Box 3 , Folder 19 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from Ruth Scott, acting superintendent of Western State School and Hospital to Harry Goldberg, president of the Western State School and Hospital Parent's Group. Scott requests a revision of the 1973 unannounced visitation memo that was brought to her attention by several staff members following a visit on May 15, 1975.
Unannounced Visitation Memo , February 5, 1973 Containers Box 3 , Folder 19 Box 3 , Folder 19 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A memo from Robert Hiltner, Western State School and Hospital Superintendent, to the administration and board of trustees. Hiltner outlines the protocol for unannounced visits by parent groups or advocacy groups like PARC and who must be present.
Joint Visitation Team Western State School and Hospital Questions Letter , July 2-5, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 19 Box 3 , Folder 19 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A letter from Joseph Howard Rodgers, minister of the Center Presbyterian Church and member of the Board of Trustees at Western State School and Hospital, to Bob Nelkin with his list of questions to be added to the report following an unannounced visit to WSSH.
Western State School and Hospital Visitation Team Report , March 1, 1973 Containers Box 3 , Folder 19 Box 3 , Folder 19 , Item 4 Scope and Contents Notes, observations, and questions following a visit to Western State School and Hospital from the "Joint Visitation Team." The team includes representatives from ACC-PARC, the Western State School and Hospital Parents' Association, and the WSSH Board of Trustees.
Survey and Reports: Institutional Departments , 1973 Containers Box 3 , Folder 20 Reports: Security Guards , 1973-1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 21 Grievance Accident Report , 1973 Containers Box 3 , Folder 22 Edward B. Western State School and Hospital Grievance Information , December 17-20, 1973 Containers Box 3 , Folder 22 Box 3 , Folder 22 , Item 1 Scope and Contents An informational letter on the treatment and possibility of abuse of Edward B., a resident of Western State School and Hospital. Summaries of conversations with parties involved accompanies this letter.
Bed Capacity Report Metrics , 1973 Containers Box 3 , Folder 23 Joint Visitation Task Force Visitation Notes, Drafts, and Reports , 1973 Containers Box 3 , Folder 24 Questions Following 1973 Visits to Western State School and Hospital , May 12, 1973 - December 3, 1973 Containers Box 3 , Folder 24 Box 3 , Folder 24 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from Virginia Thornburgh to superintendent of Western State School and Hospital Robert Hiltner discussing the questions and observations following the visits to the institution. Copies of the questions and observations following the May 12 and August 22, 1973 visits accompany this letter.
Joint Visitation Team Report and Notes , 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 25 Joint Visitation Team Western State School and Hospital Visit Report , July 2, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 25 Box 3 , Folder 25 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A copy of the Joint Visitation Team's report following a visit to Western State School and Hospital. The report focuses on residents' rights and resident care.
Report: View of Conditions , 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 26 Physician Notes and Treatment Recommendations Regarding Quiet Rooms (Isolation) , 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 27 Quiet Room Orders from Physicians , December 14, 1974 - February 27, 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 27 Box 3 , Folder 27 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A copy of notes from the Western State School and Hospital nursing department, Dr. Kaplan, and Ruth L. Scott reporting patient treatment, the issues and inconsistencies with patient treatment, and the use of the "Quiet Room."
Joint Visitation Team Notes , 1974-1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 28 Visitation Notes , c. 1974-1976 Containers Box 3 , Folder 29 Visitations and Survey Team Reports and Recommendations , 1974-1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 30 Report: Temporary Admissions , 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 31 Report: Confidential Medical Task Force , 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 32 Task Force Report on the Medical Care at Western State School and Hospital , February 20, 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 32 Box 3 , Folder 32 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A comprehensive report completed by a task force regarding medical care at Western State School and Hospital. This review includes interviews with staff, assessment of dietary care, emergency care, psychiatric care, and measures to improve care.
Report: Medical Assistance Deficiencies , 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 33 Report: Complement , 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 34 Position Classification Requests and Medication Administration Instructions , c. 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 35 Report: Otalogy Program , 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 36 Reports: ACC-PARC , 1976 Containers Box 3 , Folder 37 Internal Report: "Emotionally Disturbed Children's Service" Survey , 1973 Containers Box 3 , Folder 38 Correspondence Regarding Site Visits (Joint Visitation Team) , 1973-1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 39 Letter from Virginia Thornburgh to Robert Hiltner , March 23, 1973 Containers Box 3 , Folder 39 Box 3 , Folder 39 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from Virginia Thornburgh to Robert Hiltner, superintendent of Western State School and Hospital, responding to his March 7th letter to Charles Peters. Thornburgh thanks Hiltner for his cooperation but insists that unannounced visits must also apply to individual residents, if due to a family request.
Letter from Robert Hiltner to Virginia Thornburgh , April 9, 1973 Containers Box 3 , Folder 39 Box 3 , Folder 39 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A letter from superintendent of Western State School and Hospital, Robert Hiltner, to Virginia Thornburgh responding to her March 23rd Letter. Hiltner states that he, the WSSH board of trustees, and the WSSH parents group believe that the current procedure for filing grievances should be followed rather than ACC-PARC visiting individual residents.
Letter from Bob Nelkin to Robert Hiltner on Treatment of Residents at Dining Hall , March 14, 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 39 Box 3 , Folder 39 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A letter from Bob Nelkin to Robert Hiltner, superintendent of Western State School and Hospital. In this letter, Nelkin comments on the treatment of two residents, Tony M. and Bruce H.
Letter from Harry Goldberg to Dr. Ruth Scott , May 23, 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 39 Box 3 , Folder 39 , Item 4 Scope and Contents A letter from Harry Gold, president of the Western State School and Hospital Parents Association, to Dr. Ruth Scott, acting superintendent of WSSH, regarding the rules for unannounced visits.
Letter from Anna Belle Calloway to Virginia Thornburgh , May 18, 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 39 Box 3 , Folder 39 , Item 5 Scope and Contents A letter from Anna Belle Calloway to Virginia Thornburgh regarding new positions available at Western State School and Hospital and the difficulties filling them. Calloway also rejects Thornburgh's request to meet to discuss plans for WSSH dispersal.
Virginia Thornburgh Letter Draft to Farrell Jackson , May 8, 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 39 Box 3 , Folder 39 , Item 6 Scope and Contents A letter from Virginia Thornburgh, president of ACC-PARC, responding to Coroner Farrell Jackson and his accusations regarding ACC-PARC and state institutions. Thornburgh discusses other issues such as Governor Shapp and his administration's work for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, community placements, and restraints used on residents.
Letter from Ronald Archer to Charles Peters , January 10, 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 39 Box 3 , Folder 39 , Item 7 Scope and Contents A letter from Ronald Archer to Charles Peters regarding the death of Roy Woods. Archer has found the responses received from Peters, Hiltner, and others unsatisfactory and requests a more in-depth investigation.
Western State School and Hospital Injury Notifications Letter , February 5, 1976 Containers Box 3 , Folder 39 Box 3 , Folder 39 , Item 8 Scope and Contents A letter from Bob Nelkin to Dr. Ruth Scott, acting superintendent of Western State School and Hospital. Nelkin brings Dr. Scott's attention to the relevant section of the Bill of Rights for the Mentally Retarded and hopes WSSH adopts this statement as its policy.
Letter from Bob Nelkin to Robert Hiltner Regarding Tony M. , January 10, 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 39 Box 3 , Folder 39 , Item 9 Scope and Contents A letter from Bob Nelkin to Robert Hiltner, superintendent of Western State School and Hospital, asking about the treatment of Tony M., a resident at WSSH.
Correspondence Regarding Conditions and Deaths , 1973-1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 40 Letter from Joy Gafforini to Senator Frank Mazzei , January 22, 1973 Containers Box 3 , Folder 40 Box 3 , Folder 40 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from Jay Gafforini to Senator Frank Mazzei regarding the problems at Spruce Lodge Total Care Unit at Western State School and Hospital.
Letter from L. Steuart Brown to Sally Hollyfield , September 23, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 40 Box 3 , Folder 40 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A letter from L. Steuart Brown to ACC-PARC member Sally Hollyfield asking if she can provide evidence of misuse of medical assistance funds at Western State School and Hospital.
Letter from Virginia Thornburgh to Stanley Meyers , December 30, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 40 Box 3 , Folder 40 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A letter from Virginia Thornburgh to Stanley Meyers expressing her frustration at the lack of progress in getting air conditioning installed at Western State School and Hospital.
Letter from Bob Nelkin to Robert Hiltner on Resident Weight Loss , December 31, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 40 Box 3 , Folder 40 , Item 4 Scope and Contents A letter from Bob Nelkin to Robert Hiltner, superintendent of Western State School and Hospital, expressing concern about reported weight loss in patients at WSSH's Pine Lodge III.
Letter from Farrell Jackson to Helene Wohlgemuth , November 29, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 40 Box 3 , Folder 40 , Item 5 Scope and Contents A letter from Washington County Coroner Farrell Jackson to Secretary of Public Welfare Helene Wohlgemuth criticizing Wohlgemuth and her staff for their approach to the problems at Western State School and Hospital and for conducting a biased investigation into the institution.
Memo from Robert J. Hiltner to George Lowe , August 21, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 40 Box 3 , Folder 40 , Item 6 Scope and Contents A memo from Western State School and Hospital Superintendent Robert Hiltner to the Administrator of the Allegheny MH/MR Program expressing support for community living efforts for residents of state schools and hospitals.
Letter from Robert Hiltner to Eugene and Carolyn L. , February 8, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 40 Box 3 , Folder 40 , Item 7 Scope and Contents A letter from Robert Hiltner responding to the December 23rd letter of Eugene and Carolyn L. regarding their son, Mark, and his seizures.
Correspondence Regarding Staff Strike , 1974-1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 41 Memo from Anna Belle Calloway to Virginia Thornburgh , May 5, 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 41 Box 3 , Folder 41 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A memo from Deputy Secretary of the Department of Public Welfare Anna Belle Calloway to Virginia Thornburgh regarding the information on an upcoming news release from the DPW. Calloway provides information about strike speculation, the outcome of the liaison meeting, and preparations made to provide service in the event of a strike.
Meeting Deputy Secretaries Calloway and Meyers at Western State School and Hospital Minutes , April 28, 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 41 Box 3 , Folder 41 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A copy of minutes and notes taken by Bob Nelkin during a meeting with the Department of Public Welfare Secretaries Calloway and Meyers. The secretaries discussed terms that ended the strike at Western State School and Hospital.
Correspondence Regarding Requests for Conditions Reports and CPTS , 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 42 Statement by Western State School and Hospital Staff During Strike , April 21, 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 42 Box 3 , Folder 42 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A statement by the staff of Western State School and Hospital regarding their working conditions. This statement cites a fear for residents and other problems caused by understaffing.
Correspondence Regarding Political Pressure for Admissions , 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 43 Bob Nelkin Correspondence Regarding WSSH , 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 44 Correspondence , 1976 Containers Box 3 , Folder 45 Letter from Robert Matesic to Anna Belle Calloway , January 7, 1976 Containers Box 3 , Folder 45 Box 3 , Folder 45 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from ACC-PARC President Robert Matesic to Deputy Secretary of the Department of Public Welfare Anna Belle Calloway. Matesic informs Calloway of ACC-PARC's recommendations for improving the situation at Western State School and Hospital following the release of reports on incidents at the institution.
Meeting with Coroner Jackson: Minutes , 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 46 Construction/Expansion Records , 1973-1976 Containers Box 3 , Folder 47 Liaison Committee Meeting Minutes Regarding Dental Care , 1974-1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 48 Western State School and Hospital Liaison Committee Meeting Minutes (2) , September 25, 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 48 Box 3 , Folder 48 , Item 1 Scope and Contents Minutes from the Western State School and Hospital Liaison Committee September 25, 1975, meeting. In this meeting, the committee questioned Dr. Craig Mulvihill, WSSH's dentist, about the quality of dental care provided at the institution.
Western State School and Hospital Liaison Committee Meeting Minutes (3) , April 24, 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 48 Box 3 , Folder 48 , Item 2 Scope and Contents Minutes from the Western State School and Hospital Liaison Committee April 24, 1975, meeting following a disturbance at the school caused by a resident.
406 Intervention Team Minutes , 1975-1978 Containers Box 3 , Folder 49 Act 75A Implementation Records , 1976 Containers Box 3 , Folder 50 Right to Education Records I , 1974-1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 51 Right to Education Records II , 1974-1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 52 Letter from Frank S. Beal to Roger E. Buchanan , April 23, 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 52 Box 3 , Folder 52 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from Secretary Frank Beal to Robert Buchanan and the rest of the Right to Education Committee. Beal responds to the committee's concerns regarding the construction of classroom "units" at Ebensburg State School, which they worry will provide permanent, and unsatisfactory education to students who would benefit from an integrated classroom setting.
Letter from Harry Herman to Frank Beal , April 17, 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 52 Box 3 , Folder 52 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A letter from Harry Herman, superintendent of Ebensburg State School and Hospital, to Frank Beal regarding the proposed modular education units at Ebensburg. Herman states that the units are for the education of students who are possible candidates for community placement.
Letter from Robert Buchanan to Judge Alexander Barbieri , April 21, 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 52 Box 3 , Folder 52 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A letter from Roger Buchanan to Judge Alexander Barbieri clarifying PARC's views on a variety of subjects as they relate to the residents of Pennsylvania state schools.
Letter from Roger Buchanan to F. John Hagele , April 21, 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 52 Box 3 , Folder 52 , Item 4 Scope and Contents A letter from Roger Buchanan to F. John Hagele of Pepper, Hamilton & Scheetz regarding the Pennsylvania Department of Education's failure to ensure education for all citizens with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Demountable Classrooms Planned for White Haven and Hamburg State Schools and Hospitals Memo , April 17, 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 52 Box 3 , Folder 52 , Item 5 Scope and Contents A memo from Roger Buchanan to PARC Chapter Executives and the Right to Education Committee members. Buchanan views the creation of these classrooms as an expansion of institutionalization and Pennsylvania's failure to educate students with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Letter from Roger Buchanan to Frank S. Beal , April 4, 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 52 Box 3 , Folder 52 , Item 6 Scope and Contents A letter from Roger Buchanan on behalf of PARC's Right to Education Committee to Frank S Beal regarding the planned modular education units for Ebensburg State School and Hospital. While PARC applauds superintendent Herman on attempts to increase educational programs for individuals over 21 years of age, PARC is concerned that these units will be permanent rather than transitional.
Letter from Bob Nelkin to Joe McKenna , March 21, 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 52 Box 3 , Folder 52 , Item 7 Scope and Contents A letter from Bob Nelkin to Joe McKenna, a supervisor at Western State School and Hospital, objecting to the punishment of Howard P. Howard was punished for truancy by being placed in a wing with severely disabled individuals.
Letter to Joseph McKenna Regarding Kim V. , January 14, 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 52 Box 3 , Folder 52 , Item 8 Scope and Contents A letter from Mrs. M. to Joseph McKenna, a supervisor at Western State School and Hospital, regarding the health and rehabilitation of Kim V., her daughter.
Letter from Virginia Thornburgh to Donald Carroll Regarding Education at Western State School and Hospital , October 8, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 52 Box 3 , Folder 52 , Item 9 Scope and Contents A letter from Virginia Thornburgh to Donald M. Carroll, the Commissioner for Basic Education for the Pennsylvania Department of Education, expressing concern over the removal of the Department of Public Welfare staff from Western State School and Hospital and the need to reinstate an educational program at Intermediate Unit #1 at WSSH.
Immediate Needs for Intermediate Unit 1 at Western State School and Hospital , November 5, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 52 Box 3 , Folder 52 , Item 10 Scope and Contents A list of needs at Western State School and Hospital's Intermediate Unit #1 for the 1974-1975 school year to provide adequate educational services for the residents of I.U. #1.
Article: Death is "A Way of Life" I , 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 53 Article: Death is "A Way of Life" II , 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 54 Pittsburgh Magazine "Behind the Walls" Article , October 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 54 Box 3 , Folder 54 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A scan of the cover page for the October 1975 edition of the Pittsburgh Magazine with a feature story titled "Behind the Walls" on the life of residents, accidents, and death at Western State School and Hospital.
Volunteer Recognition Programs , 1976 Containers Box 3 , Folder 55 News Clipping Advocacy Efforts (WSSH and Highland Park) , 1967-1984 Containers Box 3 , Folder 56 News Clipping Advocacy Efforts (Highland Park and WSSH) , 1972-1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 57 News Clippings , 1974-1976 Containers Box 3 , Folder 58 News Clippings, November 1974 - August 1978 , 1974-1978 Containers Box 3 , Folder 59 Bob Nelkin Award Regarding Advocacy for Residents of WSSH , 1975-1978 Containers Box 3 , Folder 60 "Fund Hike Sought: Retarded Facilities Hit" Article , 1974-11-19 Containers Box 3 , Folder 60 Box 3 , Folder 60 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A scan of the "Fund Hike Sought: Retarded Facilities Hit" article in the Beaver County Times newspaper. The article discusses PARC's request to increase funding for state schools and hospitals by $12.6 million to improve conditions and staffing.
Maltreatment and Deaths - Civil Suit Records , 1974-1978 Containers Box 3 , Folder 61 Letter from ACLU Pittsburgh to Aldo Colautti Regarding Howard P. , August 2, 1978 Containers Box 3 , Folder 61 Box 3 , Folder 61 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from the ACLU Pittsburgh to Aldo Colautti, secretary of the Department of Public Welfare. The ACLU condemns the treatment of Howard P., who was placed in solitary confinement at Western State School and Hospital for over one month after breaking the leg of another resident.
"Understanding Death at State Institutions" Letter , November 15, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 61 Box 3 , Folder 61 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A letter sent to state legislators informing them of a seminar titled "Understanding Death at State Institutions" at Western State School and Hospital. The seminar, sponsored by both ACC-PARC and WSSH Parent's Group, aimed to educate legislators about the conditions that led to deaths at state institutions.
Deaths at State School Letter , January 13, 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 61 Box 3 , Folder 61 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A letter from Deputy Secretary for Mental Retardation Stanley Meyers to L. Steuart Brown of PARC regarding the deaths at state institutions between July 1, 1973, and June 30, 1974.
ACC-PARC News Release Regarding the Death of Paul Jenkins , November 14, 1974 Containers Box 3 , Folder 61 Box 3 , Folder 61 , Item 4 Scope and Contents An ACC-PARC news release following the death of Paul Jenkins at Western State School and Hospital.
"Walking with Spirit of Christmas" Article , December 23, 1977 Containers Box 3 , Folder 61 Box 3 , Folder 61 , Item 5 Scope and Contents A copy of the "Walking with Spirit of Christmas" article in McKeesport's The Daily News newspaper regarding Joyce Z. and her adoptive mother, Nancy Tassone.
Vecchione Court Decision Records , 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 62 Report: Confidential Medical Task Force , 1975 Containers Box 3 , Folder 63 Subseries 3. Polk Center , c1966-1997 Scope and Contents This subseries is comprised of records that document the ongoing efforts of ACC-PARC members to investigate the living conditions of people with disabilities at the Polk Center. Internal policy documents, case files, reports, correspondence, visitation team records, press releases, Polk newsletters, and news clippings. The reports in this subseries shed light on living conditions at the Polk Center and originate from both internal and external sources, including the Polk superintendent, ACC-PARC members, and the American Association of Mental Deficiency. Correspondence in this subseries documents Bob Nelkin and the ACC-PARC's efforts to expose understaffing and inadequate living conditions at the Polk Center. These conditions included the use of cages and restraints. Also documented in the correspondence are investigations into resident deaths at Polk.
Worthy of note are an aggregate of correspondence received by Helene Wohlgemuth, secretary of the Department of Public Welfare, in response to her decision to fire Dr. James McClelland from his position as superintendent of the Polk Center (1973-1976). In addition to Wohlgemuth's decision, correspondents also often addressed their stance on the use of cages in their letters. Wohlgemuth gave these files to Bob Nelkin. Also included in this subseries is a copy of the notification letter sent to Dr. McClelland as well as a report of conditions following his dismissal.
Map of Grounds , 1966 Containers Box 4 , Folder 1 Policy Documents , 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 2 Review and Implementation of Policies at Polk State School Memo , November 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 2 Box 4 , Folder 2 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A memo from Joseph Colombatto to department heads of Polk State School and Hospital. Colombatto informs the department heads of the newly established Policy Review Committee and how that affects the employees of the institution.
Polk State School and Hospital General Statement of Policies and Procedures , November 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 2 Box 4 , Folder 2 , Item 2 Scope and Contents The General Statement of Policy of Polk State School and Hospital. This statement stresses the rights of residents and the need to eliminate harmful or damaging attitudes towards residents.
Polk State School and Hospital Admission Policies and Procedures , October 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 2 Box 4 , Folder 2 , Item 3 Scope and Contents The admissions policies and procedures for Polk State School and Hospital.
Polk State School and Hospital Policy on Abusive Treatment of Residents , November 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 2 Box 4 , Folder 2 , Item 4 Scope and Contents Polk State School and Hospital's policy regarding the abusive treatment of residents. This policy condemns both the physical and psychological abuse of residents by staff.
Polk State School and Hospital Policies on Resident Communications , November 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 2 Box 4 , Folder 2 , Item 5 Scope and Contents Polk State School and Hospital's policies on resident communications, including letter-writing and telephone communications.
Self-Evaluation Reports - American Association of Mental Deficiency (AAMD) Institutional Evaluation Projects , 1966-1969 Containers Box 4 , Folder 3 Final Report: American Association on Mental Deficiency , 1967 Containers Box 4 , Folder 4 Work Plan Program , 1972 Containers Box 4 , Folder 5 Superintendent's Reports, July-August 1972 , 1972 Containers Box 4 , Folder 6 Superintendent's Reports, October-December 1972 , 1972 Containers Box 4 , Folder 7 Superintendent's Reports, January-February 1973 , 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 8 Meeting with Dr. McClelland , 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 9 ACC-PARC Meeting with Dr. James McClelland Minutes , April 2, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 9 Box 4 , Folder 9 , Item 1 Scope and Contents Minutes from a meeting between ACC-PARC members and Dr. James McClelland, superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital. One of the topics discussed included the dispersal of Polk residents.
Visitation Reports and Notes , 1972-1976 Containers Box 4 , Folder 10 ACC-PARC Residential Care Committee Polk State School and Hospital Visit Report , October 11, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 10 Box 4 , Folder 10 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A report detailing the October 11, 1973 visit to Polk State School and Hospital by Virginia Thornburgh, Jean Isherwood, and Bob Nelkin.
Polk State School and Hospital Visit Report , January 17, 1975 Containers Box 4 , Folder 10 Box 4 , Folder 10 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A report detailing the January 17, 1975 visit to Polk State School and Hospital by Sally Hollyfield, Doug Spencer, Midge Scannell, Virginia Thornburg, Anne Winkler, and Jean Isherwood.
Polk State School and Hospital Visit Report (2) , May 25, 1973 - August 23, 1976 Containers Box 4 , Folder 10 Box 4 , Folder 10 , Item 3 Scope and Contents Letters from Marlene Burda, chairwoman of PARC Residential Services Committee, and Elsie Schmidt, PARC president, to Secretaries Anna Belle Calloway and Frank S. Beal, and Polk State School and Hospital Superintendent Nicholas D'Aluisio presenting copies of PARC's report following the May 25, 1976 visit to Polk State School and Hospital. A copy of PARC's report accompanies these letters.
ACC-PARC Residential Care Committee Polk State School and Hospital Visit Report (2) , March 7, 1974 Containers Box 4 , Folder 10 Box 4 , Folder 10 , Item 4 Scope and Contents ACC-PARC Residential Care Committee's report detailing the March 7, 1974 visit to Polk State School and Hospital.
Gardenside Building Concerns , December 11, 1973 - January 10, 1974 Containers Box 4 , Folder 10 Box 4 , Folder 10 , Item 5 Scope and Contents A letter from Virginia Thornburgh, chairwoman of the Residential Care Committee, to Joseph Colombatto of Polk State School and Hospital regarding the committee's December 11, 1973 visit to the institution. A copy of the Residential Care Committee's report detailing the December 1973 visit to Polk State School and the concerns they had regarding the Polk's Gardenside Building accompanies the letter.
Correspondence , 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 11 Follow Up Letter from E. Gene Patterson to Robert Haigh , May 11, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 11 Box 4 , Folder 11 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from E. Gene Patterson of NARC to Robert Haigh of the Department of Public Welfare reflecting on the recent visit to Polk State School and Hospital. Patterson focuses on Polk's need to establish goals and to move away from the medical model.
Letter from Wolf Wolfensberger to Mel Knowlton , May 7, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 11 Box 4 , Folder 11 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A letter from Wolf Wolfensberger to Mel Knowlton commending the actions of Helene Wohlgemuth. Wolfensberger delves into the psychology of caging and the McClelland apologists.
Polk State School and Hospital Admission Policies and Procedures Letter , October 17, 1973 - November 2, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 11 Box 4 , Folder 11 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A letter from Joseph Colombatto, superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital, to Dr. Norman Mulgrave, ACC-PARC president, regarding the admissions policies at Polk. Colombatto included a draft of proposed policies with his letter.
Polk State School Union Grievance Letter , December 27, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 11 Box 4 , Folder 11 , Item 4 Scope and Contents A letter denying the Polk State School and Hospital Child Care Aides' grievance regarding unannounced parental visits and parents dressing and undressing their children.
Letter from Joseph Colombatto to Richard Sell Regarding Polk State School and Hospital Right to Education , October 30, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 11 Box 4 , Folder 11 , Item 5 Scope and Contents A letter from Joseph Colombatto, superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital, to Richard Sell of ACC-PARC responding to Sell's questions regarding the Polk-Right to Education lawsuit.
Letter from Joseph Colombatto and John Bower to Parents of Polk State School and Hospital Residents , August 30, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 11 Box 4 , Folder 11 , Item 6 Scope and Contents A letter from Joseph Colombatto and John Bower of Polk State School and Hospital to parents of residents. This letter informs parents of their child's placement in an educational program created as a result of the Right to Education Consent Agreement.
Parent Allegations Against Polk State School and Hospital , October 3, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 11 Box 4 , Folder 11 , Item 7 Scope and Contents A letter from Bob Nelkin to Polk State School and Hospital Superintendent, Joseph Colombatto, inquiring about recent allegations made by a parent of a resident. Allegations include the placement of a resident made regardless of handicap degree, misleading information from the Department of Public Welfare, and a lack of alternatives to cages that have resulted in injuries.
"Mass Bar-Bat Mitzvah for Retarded Slated" Article , October 23, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 11 Box 4 , Folder 11 , Item 8 Scope and Contents A copy of the "Mass Bar-Bat Mitzvah for Retarded Slated" article in the Jewish Chronicle of Pittsburgh newspaper describing a mass bar-bat mitzvah event for residents of Polk, Wester, Cresson, and Ebensburg state school and hospitals.
Mrs. Weikers "Call of Hope" Volunteering Response , June 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 11 Box 4 , Folder 11 , Item 9 Scope and Contents A scan of Mrs. Weikers' return card for volunteering for ACC-PARC's "Call of Hope" event. Weikers declines to volunteer on the belief that ACC-PARC was partly responsible for the dismissal of Dr. McClelland as Polk State School and Hospital Superintendent.
Letter from Barbara Sistik to Governor Milton Shapp Requesting Visit to Polk State School and Hospital , March 7, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 11 Box 4 , Folder 11 , Item 10 Scope and Contents A letter from Barbara Sistik to Governor Milton J Shapp requesting him to make an unannounced visit Polk State School and Hospital. Sistik reminds Shapp of his promise to visit the institution that he made as a guest on Mike Levine's Show on KDKA.
Letter from Arthur Bolton to Richard Loring Regarding the Polk Dispersal Project , February 16, 1971 Containers Box 4 , Folder 11 Box 4 , Folder 11 , Item 11 Scope and Contents A letter from Arthur Bolton to Richard Long regarding how the MH/MR Office can aid in the dispersal of Polk State School and Hospital. Bolton aims to create opportunities in communities for Polk residents and staff during and after deinstitutionalizing to be used as a model for future dispersal projects at other institutions.
Right to Communication Correspondence , 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 12 Letter from Norman Taylor to Dr. James McClelland Regarding Rights of Residents to Outside Written and Telephone Communications , February 9, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 12 Box 4 , Folder 12 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from Norman Taylor to Polk State School and Hospital Superintendent, Dr. James McClelland, criticizing Polk's practice of censoring outside mail and prohibiting residents from making or receiving telephone calls.
Letter from Mr. W. to Dr. James H. McClelland , February 6, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 12 Box 4 , Folder 12 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A letter from Herbert W. responding to Dr. McClelland's offer to make an exception to Polk State School and Hospital's communication policy for his daughter, Nancy. Mr. W. informs McClelland of his contact with Mike Levine, the host of a KDKA program, and his plan to cooperate with Levine until free communication is available to all Polk residents.
Letter from Mike Levine to Norman Taylor , c. 1973-1974 Containers Box 4 , Folder 12 Box 4 , Folder 12 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A letter from Mike Levine, the host of a program on KDKA, to Norman Taylor of the Department of Public Welfare. Levine expresses frustration at the communication policies at Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Dr. James McClelland to Mr. W. , January 8, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 12 Box 4 , Folder 12 , Item 4 Scope and Contents A letter from Dr. James H. McClelland, superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital, to Herbert W., a parent of a Polk resident. McClelland addresses the issue of telephone communications with Nancy W., Mr. W.'s daughter, and resident communications in general. McClelland makes an exception for Nancy but says he can not make any promises about access for all Polk residents.
Letter from Mr. W. to Mike Levine , January 24, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 12 Box 4 , Folder 12 , Item 5 Scope and Contents A letter from Herbert W. to KDKA host Mike Levine. Mr. W. updates Levine on his correspondence with Dr. McClelland. Mr. W. also agrees that this communication issue may be a worthwhile project for ACC-PARC.
Letter from Mike Levine to Mr. W. , October 26, 1972 Containers Box 4 , Folder 12 Box 4 , Folder 12 , Item 6 Scope and Contents A letter from Mike Levine, a host of a KDKA program, to Herbert W. W., a parent of a Polk State School and Hospital resident, regarding Mr. W.'s difficulty communicating with his daughter, Nancy.
Letter from Mr. W. to Mike Levine (2) , October 20, 1972 Containers Box 4 , Folder 12 Box 4 , Folder 12 , Item 7 Scope and Contents A letter from Herbert W. W. to KDKA host Mike Levine. Mr. W. tells Levine of the difficulties he has contacting his daughter Nancy, a Polk State School and Hospital resident.
Letter from Charles Peters to Norman Taylor , November 15, 1972 Containers Box 4 , Folder 12 Box 4 , Folder 12 , Item 8 Scope and Contents A letter from Charles Peters, executive director of ACC-PARC, to Secretary Norman Taylor expressing his support for Mr. W. and Mike Levine's demands regarding telephone access for residents of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Mike Levine to Dr. Norman Mulgrave , October 26, 1972 Containers Box 4 , Folder 12 Box 4 , Folder 12 , Item 9 Scope and Contents A letter from Mike Levine, a host of a KDKA program, to Dr. Norman Mulgrave of ACC-PARC, bringing awareness to Herbert W.'s complaint regarding resident communications at Polk State School and Hospital.
DPW: Helene Wohlgemuth Regarding Raymond H. Case File , 1972 Containers Box 4 , Folder 13 Death of Raymond Helman Report , October 24, 1972 - December 7, 1972 Containers Box 4 , Folder 13 Box 4 , Folder 13 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A collection of memos, notes, and reports related to the death of Raymond Helman, a resident of Polk State School and Hospital.
DPW: Helene Wohlgemuth Correspondence to Dr. McClelland Regarding Firing , 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 14 Dr. James McClelland Removal Letter , April 16, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 14 Box 4 , Folder 14 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from Helene Wohlgemuth to Dr. James McClelland removing him from his position as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Polk Superintendent Fired Summary , April 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 14 Box 4 , Folder 14 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A summary of the events surrounding the Helene Wohlgemuth's visit to Polk State School and Hospital and the removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent.
Helene Wohlgemuth Memo to State Institution Superintendents , May 9, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 14 Box 4 , Folder 14 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A memo from Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth to the superintendents of state institutions and regional deputy secretaries prohibiting the use of cages and pens at state institutions.
DPW Press Releases , 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 15 Department of Public Welfare News Release Regarding Polk State School and Hospital , May 9, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 15 Box 4 , Folder 15 , Item 1 Scope and Contents The Department of Public Welfare's news release regarding the special visitation teams at Polk State School and Hospital. These teams included national specialists and policy-makers and aimed at improving programming and resident care.
Program Review Starts at Eastern State School and Hospital and Four Other Institutions News Release , May 20, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 15 Box 4 , Folder 15 , Item 2 Scope and Contents The Department of Public Welfare's news release regarding a planned review of Eastern State School and Hospital and four other programs in the Philadelphia area. The purpose of these reviews was to study programming deficiencies and set goals for these institutions.
Institution Review to Four More Facilities News Release , July 10, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 15 Box 4 , Folder 15 , Item 3 Scope and Contents The Department of Public Welfare's news release regarding the department's expansion of institutional reviews to other state institutions
Correspondence Regarding Cages at Polk , 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 16 DPW: Helene Wohlgemuth Regarding Cages at Polk Center Correspondence I , 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 17 Letter from Mrs. Bohanice to Helene Wohlgemuth , May 8, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 17 Box 4 , Folder 17 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from Mrs. Bohanice, a grandmother of a Polk State School and Hospital resident, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth expressing support of her actions at Polk hopes that Wohlgemuth will continue to support better care for Pennsylvania citizens with disabilities.
Letter from H. Cassi to Helene Wohlgemuth , May 6, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 17 Box 4 , Folder 17 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A letter from H. Cassi to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth supporting Wohlgemuth's decision to remove Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Paul and Velma E. to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 18, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 17 Box 4 , Folder 17 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A letter from Paul and Velma E., parents of a Polk State School and Hospital resident, to Secretary Wohlgemuth asking her to reconsider her decision to remove Dr. James McClelland as superintendent. Mr. and Mrs. E. tell Wohlgemuth that their son speaks very highly of Dr. McClelland and they have never heard of any unusual punishments.
Letter from Father John Kirk to Eleanor Elkin , April 16, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 17 Box 4 , Folder 17 , Item 4 Scope and Contents A letter from Father John Kirk of Polk State School and Hospital to Eleanor Elkin of PARC Residential Services Committee. Father Kirk states that the report of the March visit to the institution was an unjust attack on the School.
Report of Telephone Call Between Helene Wohlgemuth and Yolanda P. , April 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 17 Box 4 , Folder 17 , Item 5 Scope and Contents A memo detailing a telephone call between Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth and the sister of a Polk State School and Hospital resident. Mrs. P. believes that Dr. McClelland's firing was unjust and that he was an excellent superintendent.
Letter from Fred LaJohn to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 18, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 17 Box 4 , Folder 17 , Item 6 Scope and Contents A Letter from Fred LaJohn to Helene Wohlgemuth
Letter from Roland Corbet to Milton Shapp , April 18, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 17 Box 4 , Folder 17 , Item 7 Scope and Contents A letter from Roland Corbet to Governor Milton J. Shapp denouncing the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as Polk State School and Hospital superintendent. Mr. Corbet believes that the dismissal was politically motivated and a "disgrace to the Commonwealth."
Letter from Bertha Burns to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 26, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 17 Box 4 , Folder 17 , Item 8 Scope and Contents A letter from Bertha Burns to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth expressing support for the decision to dismiss Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Jeanne Rodgers to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 17 Box 4 , Folder 17 , Item 9 Scope and Contents A letter from Jeanne Rodgers to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth supporting Wohlgemuth's recent actions at Polk State School and Hospital. Mrs. Rodgers also expressed support for future positive changes at Polk.
Letter from Mrs. Besser to Helene Wohlgemuth , May 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 17 Box 4 , Folder 17 , Item 10 Scope and Contents A letter from Mrs. Besser, a parent of a child with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Besser expresses strong support for Secretary Wohlgemuth's actions at Polk. Besser also discusses her experiences with her son's education, touches upon Westmoreland county PARC, insurance problems, Mercer County Association for the Retarded, and racial discrimination in her son's current class.
Letter from Mrs. E. Wilkinson to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 26, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 17 Box 4 , Folder 17 , Item 11 Scope and Contents A letter from Mrs. E. Wilkinson thanking Secretary Wohlgemuth for the removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Frances Bees to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 17 Box 4 , Folder 17 , Item 12 Scope and Contents A letter from Frances Bees to Helene Wohlgemuth. Bees criticizes Wohlgemuth and questions the secretary's qualifications to dismiss Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Judith L. S. to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 24, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 17 Box 4 , Folder 17 , Item 13 Scope and Contents A letter from Mrs. Judith L. S. to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth. Mrs. S., a special education teacher and parent of a Polk State School and Hospital resident, believes that Secretary Wohlgemuth's actions were hasty and will negatively impact the residents of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from the Franklin Junior Woman's Club to Milton Shapp , April 26, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 17 Box 4 , Folder 17 , Item 14 Scope and Contents A letter to Governor Milton Shapp from the Franklin Junior Woman's Club asking for the reinstatement of Dr. James McClelland.
Letter from Eleanor Etter to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 27, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 17 Box 4 , Folder 17 , Item 15 Scope and Contents A letter from Eleanor Etter to Helene Wohlgemuth asking her to reconsider her decision and reinstate Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from J. A. Robertson to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 27, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 17 Box 4 , Folder 17 , Item 16 Scope and Contents A letter from J. A. Robertson to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth denouncing her decision to remove Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital. Robertson believes Wohlgemuth was not qualified to make such a decision.
Letter from Family Guidance Clinic of Mercer County to Milton Shapp , April 23, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 17 Box 4 , Folder 17 , Item 17 Scope and Contents A letter from the staff of the Family Guidance Clinic of Mercer County to Governor Milton Shapp requesting the reinstatement of Dr. James McClelland.
Letter from Paul E. Fauth to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 26, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 17 Box 4 , Folder 17 , Item 18 Scope and Contents A letter from Paul E. Fauth of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church to Helene Wohlgemuth asking for the reinstatement of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Robert B. Dennis to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 25, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 17 Box 4 , Folder 17 , Item 19 Scope and Contents A letter from Robert B. Dennis, chapter president of ACLU Harrisburg, to Helene Wohlgemuth commending her for her actions at Polk State School and Hospital. Dennis hopes that Wohlgemuth will continue to support humanizing conditions for Pennsylvania citizens with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Letter from David Ferleger to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 26, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 17 Box 4 , Folder 17 , Item 20 Scope and Contents A letter from David Ferleger of the Mental Patient Civil Liberties Project to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth expressing his support for Wolgemuth's actions at Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Louis G. Mete to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 26, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 17 Box 4 , Folder 17 , Item 21 Scope and Contents A letter from Louis G. Mete, a coordinator in the Right to Education office, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth. Mete, as a private citizen, not in his professional capacity, commends Wohlgemuth for her actions at Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Ralph W. E. Fuller to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 26, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 17 Box 4 , Folder 17 , Item 22 Scope and Contents A letter from Ralph W. E. Fuller to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth supporting her actions at Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Julienne Rothburg to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 17 Box 4 , Folder 17 , Item 23 Scope and Contents A brief letter from Julienne Rothburg to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth in support of the firing of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Bob Caughlin to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 17 Box 4 , Folder 17 , Item 24 Scope and Contents A letter from Bob Caughlin to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth expressing support for the removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
DPW: Helene Wohlgemuth Regarding Cages at Polk Center Correspondence II , 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Letter from Lillian G. to Helene Wohlgemuth , May 21, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from Lillian G., a parent of a Polk State School and Hospital resident, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth expressing her anger regarding the removal of Dr. James McClelland and cages at Polk.
"Polk Cage Removal" Letter to the Editor , c. 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A copy of a letter from Mary Froehlich, a parent of Polk residents, to the Erie Times-News newspaper in support of Dr. James McClelland and opposition to Helene Wohlgemuth's decisions to fire him and remove the "playpens" at Polk State School.
"'Rehabilitation' at State Expense - Delinquents Get Casino Junkets" Article , April 27, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A copy of the "'Rehabilitation' at State Expense - Delinquents Get Casino Junkets" news article regarding trips to a New Jersey night club by staff and residents of the Youth Development Center at Cornwells Heights at the tax payer's expense.
Telegram from ACC-PARC to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 27, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 4 Scope and Contents A telegram from ACC-PARC President Norman Mulgrave to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth expressing their support of her actions regarding Polk State School and Hospital.
Telegram from Gerald McGentee to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 24, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 5 Scope and Contents A telegram from Gerald V. McGentee, executive director of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth. McGentee expresses his organization's support of Polk State School and Hospital and believes that the employees of Polk should be commended and not attacked for working at Polk under State-created conditions.
Telegram from Pauline Scandrol to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 6 Scope and Contents A brief telegram from Pauline Scandrol to Helene Wohlgemuth demanding the reinstatement of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Telegram from Charles B. to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 7 Scope and Contents A telegram from Charles B., a former resident of Fairview State Hospital, to Secretary Helen Wohlgemuth. Mr. B. supports the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as Polk State School and Hospital superintendent.
Telegram from the Venango Chapter of the American Association of University Women to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 27, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 8 Scope and Contents A telegram from Mrs. George Dalmaso, president of the Venango Chapter of the American Association of University Women, to Helene Wohlgemuth. Dalmaso expresses the association's unanimous and strong disapproval of the removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital and calls for a complete investigation into the matter.
Telegram from John A. Wilson to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 24, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 9 Scope and Contents A telegram from John A. Wilson, a professor at the University of Pittsburgh, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth expressing his support of Wohlgemuth's decision to remove the cages at Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Pennsylvania Mental Health, Inc. to Governor Milton Shapp , April 27, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 10 Scope and Contents A letter from Hilda Robbins and Harry Rubin, president and chairman of the board for Pennsylvania Mental Health, Inc., to Governor Milton Shapp expressing their support for the removal of cages at Polk State School and Hospital. Pennsylvania Mental Health, Inc. rejects all forms of restraints and supports efforts to provide adequate and humane services to state residents.
Letter from Robert Sanford to Governor Milton Shapp , May 8, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 11 Scope and Contents A letter from Robert Sanford, president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, to Governor Milton J Shapp regarding the need for an independent investigation into the state programs for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Sanford blames the firing of Dr. James McClelland on the state's inability to establish and administer uniform guidelines and provide adequate funding for the care of individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Letter from Dorothy J. Novello to Helene Wohlgemuth , May 7, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 12 Scope and Contents A letter from Dorothy Novello, chairwoman of the State Board of Nurse Examiners, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth expressing support for her decision to remove Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from William Garove to Governor Milton Shapp , May 17, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 13 Scope and Contents A letter from Dr. William E. Garove, associate director of the management training program for the Center for Developmental and Learning Disorders at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, to Governor Milton Shapp expressing his disapproval at the removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Anonymous Letter to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 14 Scope and Contents An anonymous handwritten letter to Helene Wohlgemuth expressing disgust at her actions that led to the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as Polk State School and Hospital superintendent. The author of this letter believes that Wohlgemuth should "exercise more care" and questions Wohlgemuth's education and training.
Letter from Edward and Elizabeth M. , c. 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 15 Scope and Contents A letter from Edward and Elizabeth M., parents of a Polk State School and Hospital resident, expressing their support for Dr. James McClelland.
Letter from Polk Resident to Helene Wohlgemuth , May 20, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 16 Scope and Contents A letter from a Polk State School and Hospital resident to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth asking Wohlgemuth to visit after the removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk.
Letter from Inez Jordan to Helene Wohlgemuth , May 16, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 17 Scope and Contents A letter from Inez Jordan, president of the Cameron County Association of Retarded Children, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth expressing her disapproval with Dr. James McClelland's removal as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital. Jordan believes that the conditions at Polk were the result of insufficient funding from the DPW.
Letter from George S. to Helene Wohlgemuth , May 16, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 18 Scope and Contents A letter from George S., a parent of a Polk State School and Hospital resident and Beaver County PARC member, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth expressing cautious disapproval regarding the method of Dr. James McClelland's dismissal as superintendent of Polk.
Letter from Dorsey De Raianes to Helene Wohlgemuth , May 16, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 19 Scope and Contents A letter from Dorsey de Raianes of New Jersey, who worked with children with disabilities in Indiana and Delaware, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth regarding the use of cages and restraints at Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from John Warren to Helene Wohlgemuth , May 23, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 20 Scope and Contents A handwritten letter from John Warren to Helene Wohlgemuth regarding the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Helen Caomine to Helene Wohlgemuth , May 16, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 21 Scope and Contents A letter from Helen Caomine to Helene Wohlgemuth disagreeing with Wohlgemuth's actions at Polk State School and Hospital. Caomine believes that the "Cages" were misnamed and used for the protection of residents. Caomine also believes that the blame for any problems at Polk rests with the state government and the lack of money provided to Polk, and not Dr. McClelland.
Letter from Ruth McClure to Helene Wohlgemuth , May 28, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 22 Scope and Contents A letter from Ruth McClure, PARC member and parent of an adult with intellectual disabilities, to Helene Wohlgemuth. McClure thanks Secretary Wohlgemuth for her actions and hopes for continued action for the rights of individuals with disabilities.
Letter from Emmet Rosenberg to Helene Wohlgemuth , May 4, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 23 Scope and Contents A letter from Emmett Rosenberg to Helene Wohlgemuth. Rosenberg claims he has "valuable information" regarding two boys who received a beating with a belt during their time at Polk State School and Hospital.
Support Letter to Helene Wohlgemuth , May 2, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 24 Scope and Contents A support letter for Helene Wohlgemuth from a custodian at the Meadowside unit of Polk State School and Hospital. The custodian thanks Secretary Wohlgemuth on a "job well started" at Polk and makes other suggestions for future actions at the institution.
Letter from Mary Cook to Helene Wohlgemuth , May 4, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 25 Scope and Contents A letter from Mary Cook to Helene Wohlgemuth expressing support for Wohlgemuth's actions at Polk State School and Hospital. Cook hopes that Wohlgemuth can continue supporting individuals with disabilities in Pennsylvania.
Letter from Mr. and Mrs. Beckert to Milton Shapp , May 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 26 Scope and Contents A letter from Mr. and Mrs. Albert Beckert to Governor Milton Shapp refuting the statements Helene Wohlgemuth made regarding Dr. James McClelland, and asking for the reinstatement of McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital and a public apology from Secretary Wohlgemuth.
Letter from James Sechler to Helene Wohlgemuth , May 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 27 Scope and Contents A letter from James Sechler to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth protesting the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital. Sechler believes that Wohlgemuth's statements regarding McClelland were unwarranted and unjustified and demands for the reinstatement of McClelland and a public apology.
Letter from J. G. McGill to Milton Shapp , May 1, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 28 Scope and Contents A letter from J. G. McGill, a practicing attorney of Venango County, to Governor Milton Shapp asking for the possibility to reinstate Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Mildred Beighley to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 26, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 29 Scope and Contents A letter from Mildred Beighley to Helene Wohlgemuth regarding Wohlgemuth's actions at Polk State School and Hospital. Beighley disapproves of Wohlgemuth's actions at Polk and believes that Wohlgemuth set "Women's Lib" back "at least 10 years."
Copy of Erie Times-News Article , April 22, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 30 Scope and Contents An article from the Erie Times-News newspaper that claims that the overcrowding at Polk State School and Hospital was not the fault of Dr. James McClelland.
Letter from Marion Taylor to Milton Shapp , April 23, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 31 Scope and Contents A letter from Marion Taylor to Governor Milton Shapp regarding the firing of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital. Taylor believes that Dr. McClelland did nothing wrong and notes that she heard nothing but praise about the treatment at Polk.
Letter from Howard Fisher to Milton Shapp , April 24, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 32 Scope and Contents A letter from Howard Fisher, president of the Franklin, Pennsylvania Kiwanis Club, to Governor Milton Shapp regarding the removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital. Fisher informs Governor Shapp that the Kiwanis Club of Franklin voted unanimously to denounce the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland and ask for his reinstatement.
Letter from Harold Hartley to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 27, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 33 Scope and Contents A letter from Harold Hartley, professor and chairman of the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology at Clarion State College, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth protesting the removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Joseph Burgert to Helene Wohlgemuth , May 1, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 34 Scope and Contents A letter from Joseph Burgert, assistant director at the Erie Center for the Blind, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth disapproving of the removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Ruth Andrews to Helene Wohlgemuth , May 2, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 35 Scope and Contents A letter from Ruth Andrews to Helene Wohlgemuth regarding the activities and conditions at Polk State School and Hospital. Andrews requests Wohlgemuth to reconsider her decision to remove Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk.
Letter from John and Dorothy S. to Milton Shapp , May 3, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 36 Scope and Contents A letter from John and Dorothy S., parents of a Polk State School and Hospital resident, to Governor Milton Shapp requesting to "correct the gross injustices" after the removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent.
Letter from William Lamberton to Helene Wohlgemuth , May 4, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 37 Scope and Contents A letter from William Lamberton, president of the Erie County Medical Society, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth expressing the society's disapproval with the removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Clara Hamilton to Helene Wohlgemuth , May 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 38 Scope and Contents A letter from Clara Hamilton, the mother of a Polk State School and Hospital employee, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth expressing her disapproval of Wohlgemuth's actions, especially the firing of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk.
Letter from Mrs. Pearce to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 23, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 39 Scope and Contents A letter from Mrs. Pearce to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth objecting to Dr. James McClelland's removal as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital. Pearce is also upset by Wohlgemuth's suggestion to use drugs to control residents.
Letter from Sarah Keen to Helene Wohlgemuth , May 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 40 Scope and Contents A letter from Sarah Keen to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth expressing gratitude for Wohlgemuth's actions at Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Gail Frederick Supporting Helene Wohlgemuth , April 25, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 18 Box 4 , Folder 18 , Item 41 Scope and Contents A letter from Gail Frederick to the Department of Public Welfare supporting the actions of Helene Wohlgemuth at Polk State School and Hospital. Frederick hopes that Wohlgemuth will continue to work to improve state institutions.
DPW: Helene Wohlgemuth Regarding Cages at Polk Center Correspondence III , 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 19 Letter from Horence Nimick to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 24, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 19 Box 4 , Folder 19 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from Horence Nimick to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth supporting her actions at Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Adele Fein to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 25, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 19 Box 4 , Folder 19 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A letter from Adele Fein to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth supporting her actions at Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Barbara Clougherty to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 19 Box 4 , Folder 19 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A letter from Barbara Clougherty to Secretary Wohlgemuth supporting her actions at Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Leone Paradise to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 24, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 19 Box 4 , Folder 19 , Item 4 Scope and Contents A letter from Leone Paradise to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth supporting her actions at Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Marian Bromeley to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 21, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 19 Box 4 , Folder 19 , Item 5 Scope and Contents A letter from Marian Bromeley to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth supporting her actions at Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Bonnie Pribich to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 25, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 19 Box 4 , Folder 19 , Item 6 Scope and Contents A letter from Bonnie Pribich to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth supporting her actions at Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Margaret Kunzman to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 22, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 19 Box 4 , Folder 19 , Item 7 Scope and Contents A letter from Margaret Kunzman to Helene Wohlgemuth regarding the conditions at Polk State School and Hospital and care for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Letter from Mrs. Thanos to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 25, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 19 Box 4 , Folder 19 , Item 8 Scope and Contents A letter from Mrs. D. L. Thanos, the sister of a Polk State School and Hospital resident, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth regarding the firing of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk. Thanos believes that Wohlgemuth acted too hastily, without proper knowledge of the needs of the residents of Polk State School and Hospital. Thanos also touches upon the problems of overcrowding and funding at Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Eugene and Marilyn Witherup to Milton Shapp , April 23, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 19 Box 4 , Folder 19 , Item 9 Scope and Contents A letter from Eugene and Marilyn Witherup to Governor Milton Shapp regarding the removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital. Mr. and Mrs. list the problems with alternatives to the cages/pens, the need for more funding and staffing, and speak of Dr. McClelland's commitment to residents.
Letter from Adah M. Armstrong to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 25, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 19 Box 4 , Folder 19 , Item 10 Scope and Contents A letter from Adah Armstrong to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth denouncing her decision to remove Dr. James McClelland as superintendent at Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Three Nurses to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 19 Box 4 , Folder 19 , Item 11 Scope and Contents A letter from three nurses: Beth Dunham, Mary Karr, and Rosemarie Skiba to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth voicing their disapproval of the Secretary's actions at Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from George Moyer to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 24, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 19 Box 4 , Folder 19 , Item 12 Scope and Contents A letter from George Moyer to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth regarding the use of cages at Polk State School and Hospital that led to Wohlgemuth's removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of the institution.
Letter from Francis Rogan to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 25, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 19 Box 4 , Folder 19 , Item 13 Scope and Contents A letter from Francis Rogan, mayor of New Castle and father of a resident of Polk State School and Hospital, protesting the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk.
Letter from Dr. James Clifford to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 20, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 19 Box 4 , Folder 19 , Item 14 Scope and Contents A letter from Dr. James Clifford to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth regarding Wohlgemuth's decision to remove Dr. James McClelland as superintendent at Polk State School and Hospital. Clifford, who interned under McClelland twenty years ago, believes that McClelland's dismissal was a mistake and that he is a competent and compassionate physician.
Letter from John Fidorek to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 19 Box 4 , Folder 19 , Item 15 Scope and Contents A letter from John. Fidorek, a parent of a Polk State School and Hospital resident, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth, disagreeing with Wohlgemuth's actions at Polk.
Letter from Ann Novosel to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 24, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 19 Box 4 , Folder 19 , Item 16 Scope and Contents A letter from Ann Novosel to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth regarding the removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent at Polk State School and Hospital. Novosel requests for McClelland's reinstatement and discusses the issues of funding and overcrowding at state institutions.
Anonymous Letter to Dr. James McClelland , April 18, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 19 Box 4 , Folder 19 , Item 17 Scope and Contents An unsigned letter to Dr. James McClelland from the parent of a Polk State School and Hospital resident. The author expresses their support to McClelland and questions the qualifications and character of Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth.
Letter from Mrs. Campbell to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 18, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 19 Box 4 , Folder 19 , Item 18 Scope and Contents A letter from Mrs. Campbell to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth regarding the removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital. Campbell calls the dismissal a misjudgment and requests for McClelland's reinstatement.
DPW: Helene Wohlgemuth Regarding Cages at Polk Center Correspondence IV , 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Letter from Marjorie Felder to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 23, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from Marjorie Felder to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth questioning her reasons for dismissing Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Beatrice McClelland to Milton Shapp , April 24, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A letter from Beatrice McClelland, a former employee at Polk State School and Hospital, to Governor Milton Shapp, denouncing the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of the institution and the actions taken by Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth and PARC members.
Letter from Catherine Groetzinger to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 24, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A letter to Helene Wohlgemuth from Catherine Groetzinger, a parent of a Polk State School and Hospital resident, expressing dissatisfaction with Wohlgemuth and her decision to remove Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk.
Letter from James Gemmell to Milton Shapp , April 24, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 4 Scope and Contents A letter from James Gemmell, president of Clarion State College, to Governor Milton J. Shapp regarding the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital. Gemmell speaks highly of Dr. McClelland and advises for his reinstatement.
Letter from Helen Shawkey to Milton Shapp , April 24, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 5 Scope and Contents A letter from Helen Shawkey to Governor Milton Shapp announcing the Polk Borough Council's opposition to the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Robert Carone to Milton Shapp , April 25, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 6 Scope and Contents A letter from Robert Carone, executive director of the Family Service and Children's Aid Society, to Governor Milton Shapp disapproving of the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
"Welfare Chief Back on Polk" Article , April 24, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 7 Scope and Contents A Pittsburgh Press article regarding Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth's knowledge of the cages used to restrain residents of Polk State School and Hospital. This clipping contains notations from an unidentified person that criticizes the actions of Wohlgemuth.
"Association Backs McClelland: State Bans Use of Cages, Pens" Article , April 25, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 8 Scope and Contents A Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article regarding the support Dr. James McClelland received from the association of State Mental Hospital Physicians following his dismissal as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital. This clipping contains notations from an unidentified parent of a resident criticizing McClelland's removal.
Letter from Mrs. Wesley S. to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 9 Scope and Contents A letter from Mrs. Wesley S., a parent of a Polk State School and Hospital resident, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth criticizing her decision to remove Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk.
Letter from Louise Sherman to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 10 Scope and Contents A letter from Louise Sherman, the daughter of a former preacher at Polk State School and Hospital, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth regarding the removal of Dr. McClelland as superintendent of Polk. Sherman defends McClelland and believes that Wohlgemuth was unfair to him.
Letter from Ann Wright to Milton Shapp , April 23, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 11 Scope and Contents A letter from Ann Wright to Governor Milton Shapp protesting the "inhumane treatment" of Dr. James McClelland at Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Violet K. to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 23, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 12 Scope and Contents A letter from Violet K., the mother of a Polk State School and Hospital resident, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth thanking her for her actions at the institution.
Letter from Mrs. Eugene S. to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 13 Scope and Contents A letter from Mrs. Eugene S., the parent of a Polk State School and Hospital resident, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth criticizing her for her decision to remove Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk.
Letter from Cottage "A" Residents , April 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 14 Scope and Contents A letter from the residents of Cottage "A" at Polk State School and Hospital, written by Mary Sydoriak, questioning Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth's actions, the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland, and the removal of the cages used to restrain residents.
Letter from Mary K. to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 23, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 15 Scope and Contents A letter from Mary K., the mother of a Polk State School and Hospital resident, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth disapproving of the removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital. Mary K. believes that Dr. Wesley White is not the right choice for an interim superintendent, and requests for an unbiased investigation.
Letter from Thomas Snyder to Milton Shapp , April 20, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 16 Scope and Contents A letter from Thomas Snyder to Governor Milton Shapp expressing his belief that Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth was manipulated by PARC to take action at Polk State School and Hospital that she should not have.
Letter from Clarence Baldwin to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 23, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 17 Scope and Contents A letter from Clarence W. Baldwin, the pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Franklin, Pennsylvania, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth disapproving of the removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Anonymous Letter to Patricia Clapp , April 23, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 18 Scope and Contents An anonymous letter to PARC President Patricia Clapp, mistakenly addressed as Secretary of Welfare, denouncing the removal of the cages at Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Joseph H. to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 23, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 19 Scope and Contents A letter from Joseph H., the father of a Polk State School and Hospital resident, to Helene Wohlgemuth. Mr. H. gives Wohlgemuth a letter that he sent to several newspapers supporting Dr. James McClelland and his son's treatment at Polk.
Letter from Thomas Snyder to the Department of Public Welfare , April 20, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 20 Scope and Contents A letter from Thomas Snyder asking for the reinstatement of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital. Snyder defends McClelland and speaks highly of his service at Polk.
Letter from Don Bashline to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 21 Scope and Contents A letter from Dr. Don Bashline to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth protesting the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Josephine McCracken to Milton Shapp , April 23, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 22 Scope and Contents A letter from Josephine McCracken, a resident of Venango County and a staff member of a Venango County Health and Welfare agency, to Secretary Helene McCracken regarding the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Franklin Residents to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 23 Scope and Contents A letter from a group of Franklin, PA residents to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth denouncing the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Copy of a Telegram from E. G. Pearce Jr. to Milton Shapp , April 23, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 24 Scope and Contents A telegram from E. G. Pearce Jr., executive director of the Samuel Justus Charitable Trust, to Governor Milton Shapp demanding the reinstatement of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Robert Pilewski to Milton Shapp , April 23, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 25 Scope and Contents A letter from Robert Pilewski, president of the Venango County Medical Society, to Governor Milton Shapp criticizing the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Mrs. Elliston to Milton Shapp , April 18, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 26 Scope and Contents A letter from Mrs. Elliston to Governor Milton Shapp requesting for the reinstatement of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Note from Barbara Fruchter to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 18, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 27 Scope and Contents A brief note from Barbara Fruchter to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth congratulating her on her actions and decision to remove Dr. James McClelland as superintendent after her visit to Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Steve Martin to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 18, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 28 Scope and Contents A letter from Steve Martin to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth commending her for her actions at Polk State School and Hospital and hopes that the "surprise visits" and her work improving state welfare institutions will continue.
Anonymous Letter to Helene Wohlgemuth (2) , April 18, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 29 Scope and Contents An anonymous letter to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth thanking her for her actions at Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from a Former Warren State Hospital Patient to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 12, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 30 Scope and Contents A letter from a former Warren State Hospital patient to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth thanking her for her actions at Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from a Polk State School and Hospital Employee to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 31 Scope and Contents A letter from an unidentified Polk State School and Hospital employee to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth regarding other employees who may not be qualified for their positions and requests Wohlgemuth to investigate claims of child abuse at the institution.
Letter from Earl Nielliger to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 32 Scope and Contents A letter from Earl Nielliger, recreation chairman at the Lancaster Association for Retarded Children, to Helene Wohlgemuth thanking her for her actions at Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Janet Seale to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 33 Scope and Contents A letter to Janet Seale, the sister of a man with Downs Syndrome, and a special education teacher, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth. Seale thanks Wohlgemuth for her actions to remove the cages and expresses gratitude that someone cares enough to investigate and improve Pennsylvania's state institutions.
Letter from Ann Johnson to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 34 Scope and Contents A letter from Ann Johnson, a college student who has worked as a Child Care Aid Trainee at Polk State School and Hospital the three previous summers to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth. Johnson congratulates Wohlgemuth on her actions, but brings awareness to other issues that she believes contributes to the poor conditions at Polk.
Letter from Catherine Ostrsycki to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 35 Scope and Contents A letter from Catherine Ostrsycki to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth congratulating her on her surprise visits and decisive action at Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Karen King to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 20, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 36 Scope and Contents A letter from Karen King to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth congratulating her on her actions at Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Mrs. Wood to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 20 Box 4 , Folder 20 , Item 37 Scope and Contents A letter from Mrs. M. Wood to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth supporting her actions at Polk State School and Hospital. Wood also encourages Wohlgemuth to visit other state institutions and continue to improve the conditions at those institutions.
DPW: Helene Wohlgemuth Regarding Cages at Polk Center Correspondence V , 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 21 Letter from Mrs. R. to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 17, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 21 Box 4 , Folder 21 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from Mrs. R., the mother of a child with developmental and intellectual disabilities, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth thanking her for her actions to improve conditions at state institutions.
Letter from Emil Barth to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 21 Box 4 , Folder 21 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A letter from Emil Barth to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth listing the poor conditions at state institutions he visited and recommends Wohlgemuth to visit more institutions to improve conditions.
Letter from Ann Vaughan to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 21, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 21 Box 4 , Folder 21 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A letter from Ann Vaughan to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth congratulating her on uncovering deplorable conditions at state institutions. Vaughan also voices her opinion on the appointment of Frederick T. Trump to the board of trustees of Danville State Hospital.
Letter from Orville P. to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 20, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 21 Box 4 , Folder 21 , Item 4 Scope and Contents A letter from Orville P. to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth thanking her for investigating and taking action at Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Robert McGill to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 18, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 21 Box 4 , Folder 21 , Item 5 Scope and Contents A letter from Robert McGill, a former employee at Polk State School and Hospital, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth. McGill commends Wohlgemuth for her decision to remove Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk and recounts his experiences at the institution.
Letter from Dr. J. Howard Turner to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 21 Box 4 , Folder 21 , Item 6 Scope and Contents A letter from Dr. J. Howard Turner of the University of Pittsburgh's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth regarding the removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital. Turner requests Wohlgemuth to reconsider her decision.
Letter from Elise Nystrom to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 23, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 21 Box 4 , Folder 21 , Item 7 Scope and Contents A letter from Elise Nystrom to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth disagreeing with her actions at Polk State School and Hospital to remove the cages used to restrain residents and to remove Dr. James McClelland as superintendent.
Letter from Mrs. Davis to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 23, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 21 Box 4 , Folder 21 , Item 8 Scope and Contents A letter from Mrs. Davis to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth disagreeing with Wohlgemuth's actions at Polk State School and Hospital to remove the cages used to restrain residents and the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent.
Letter from Dorothy Murphy to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 22, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 21 Box 4 , Folder 21 , Item 9 Scope and Contents A letter from Dorothy Murphy to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth demanding the reinstatement of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Elma Harvey to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 17, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 21 Box 4 , Folder 21 , Item 10 Scope and Contents A letter from Elma Harvey, a former Lakeside employee at Polk State School and Hospital, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth regarding the removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk. Harvey accuses others at Polk of manipulating McClelland.
Letter from a "Concerned Parent" to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 23, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 21 Box 4 , Folder 21 , Item 11 Scope and Contents An anonymous letter from a "concerned parent" to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth expressing distrust for her and her actions at Polk State School and Hospital to remove the cages used to restrain residents and to remove Dr. James McClelland as superintendent.
Letter from J. K. Runge to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 20, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 21 Box 4 , Folder 21 , Item 12 Scope and Contents A letter from J. K. Runge, a former Polk State School and Hospital employee, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth regarding the methods used by employees at Polk. Runge believes that the methods used at Polk are in the best interest of the residents.
Letter from Carol Baugh to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 24, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 21 Box 4 , Folder 21 , Item 13 Scope and Contents A letter from Carol Baugh to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth requesting for the reinstatement of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from the Venango County Commissioners to Milton Shapp , April 24, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 21 Box 4 , Folder 21 , Item 14 Scope and Contents A letter from the Venango County Commissioners to Governor Milton Shapp requesting for the reinstatement of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital. The commissioners outline the options available to protect residents and believe that cages are the best option.
Letter from a Westmoreland County Resident to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 23, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 21 Box 4 , Folder 21 , Item 15 Scope and Contents An anonymous letter from a "taxpayer of Westmoreland County" to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth criticizing Wohlgemuth's actions at Polk State School and Hospital to remove the cages used to restrain residents and to remove Dr. James McClelland as superintendent.
Erie Association for Retarded Children Statement on the Dismissal of Dr. James McClelland , April 24, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 21 Box 4 , Folder 21 , Item 16 Scope and Contents A letter from Mrs. Lubecki, president of the Erie Association for Retarded Children, to Secretary Wohlgemuth explaining the association's stance regarding the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Hugh Ransom to Milton Shapp , April 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 21 Box 4 , Folder 21 , Item 17 Scope and Contents A letter from Hugh Ransom, executive director of the United Cerebral Palsy of Pennsylvania, to Governor Milton Shapp, requesting the reinstatement of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital and an investigation into his dismissal.
Letter from William Cavanaugh to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 21 Box 4 , Folder 21 , Item 18 Scope and Contents A letter from William Cavanaugh, an Erie attorney, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth condemning her decision to remove Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from William Cavanaugh to Milton Shapp , April 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 21 Box 4 , Folder 21 , Item 19 Scope and Contents A letter from William Cavanaugh, an Erie attorney, to Governor Milton Shapp condemning Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth's decision to remove Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
DPW: Helene Wohlgemuth Regarding Cages at Polk Center Correspondence , 1973-1974 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Letter from Robert Heasley to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from Robert Heasley, a member of the Zelienople-Harmony Chamber of Commerce, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth regarding the removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital. Heasley compliments McClelland, accuses Wohlgemuth of playing politics, and requests for McClelland's reinstatement.
Letter from A. T. McClure to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A letter from A. T. McClure on behalf of the Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth voicing the organization's disapproval of the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from James Perry to Milton Shapp , April 20, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A letter from James Perry, president and general manager of WEDA, to Governor Milton Shapp regarding the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital and the conditions at the institution.
Telegram from Health and Welfare Council of Venango County to Milton Shapp , April 18, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 4 Scope and Contents A telegram sent to Governor Milton Shapp from the Health and Welfare Council of Venango County protesting the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Russell Brinker to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 18, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 5 Scope and Contents A letter from Russell Brinker, a member of the Polk Board of Trustees, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth voicing his disapproval of her actions at Polk State School and Hospital. Brinker believes that the problems at Polk are due to the school's overcrowded and underfunded positions.
Letter from Mr. and Mrs. Carlisle to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 18, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 6 Scope and Contents A letter from Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Carlisle, parents of a Polk State School and Hospital resident, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth praising Polk as an institution and defending Dr. James McClelland's work as superintendent.
Letter from Dale Wilson to Milton Shapp , April 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 7 Scope and Contents A letter from Dale Wilson to Governor Milton Shapp protesting the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Greydon Kay to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 18, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 8 Scope and Contents A letter from Greydon Kay, a parent of a Polk State School and Hospital resident, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth protesting the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk.
Letter from Frank Poff Jr. Helene Wohlgemuth , April 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 9 Scope and Contents A letter from Frank Poff Jr., the brother of a Polk State School and Hospital resident, to Secretary Wohlgemuth praising the work of Dr. James McClelland. Poff requests Wohlgemuth to reconsider her decision to dismiss McClelland as superintendent of Polk.
Letter to the Editor from Margaret Moss , April 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 10 Scope and Contents A letter to the editor of an unidentified newspaper from Margaret Moss protesting the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Thomas Yochim to Milton Shapp , April 29, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 11 Scope and Contents A letter from Thomas Yochim to Governor Shapp protesting the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital and requesting for McClelland's reinstatement.
Letter from Erika Kubey to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 20, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 12 Scope and Contents A letter from Erika Kubey, the mother of a child with intellectual and developmental disabilities, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth opposing the removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from John Taylor to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 13 Scope and Contents A letter from John Taylor to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth requesting the reinstatement of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Mary Mook to Milton Shapp , April 17, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 14 Scope and Contents A letter from Mary Mook to Governor Milton Shapp regarding the removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital and the governor's support for Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth.
Note from D. H. Karr to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 18, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 15 Scope and Contents A note from D. H. Karr to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth condemning her actions at Polk State School and Hospital, questioning her qualifications, and requesting she resign or be fired by the governor.
Letter from Mrs. Z. to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 18, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 16 Scope and Contents A letter from Mrs. Z., the mother of a Polk State School and Hospital resident and member of the Lawrence County PARC, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth requesting her to reconsider her decision to remove Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk.
Letter from Mrs. Runkel to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 17 Scope and Contents A letter from Mrs. Marshall Runkel, a registered nurse at Polk State School and Hospital, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth disapproving of the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital. Runkel invites Wohlgemuth to spend a whole shift at Polk under current working conditions.
Letter from Alice Wilson to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 18 Scope and Contents A letter from Alice Wilson, a former employee at Polk State School and Hospital, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth requesting for the reinstatement of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent.
Letter from Mary Connolly to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 19 Scope and Contents A letter from Mary Connolly criticizing Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth and her decisions to remove the cages used to restrain residents at Polk State School and Hospital and dismiss Dr. James McClelland as superintendent.
Letter from Mary Willis to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 20 Scope and Contents A letter from Mary Willis criticizing Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth and her decision to remove Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Helen Stahl to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 20, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 21 Scope and Contents A letter from Helen Stahl, a volunteer at Polk State School and Hospital, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth requesting for the reinstatement of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk.
Letter from Sarah Elliston to Milton Shapp , April 18, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 22 Scope and Contents A letter from Sarah Elliston to Governor Milton Shapp regarding the removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Ralph Silverthorn to Helen Wohlgemuth , April 18, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 23 Scope and Contents A letter from Ralph Silverthorn to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth regarding the removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Dr. Kelsey to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 18, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 24 Scope and Contents A letter from Dr. Kelsey to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth condemning her and PARC for the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Helen Grettler to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 25 Scope and Contents A letter from Helen Grettler to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth disapproving of her decision to remove Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Cheryl Blyler and Rita Crawford to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 26 Scope and Contents A letter from Cheryl Blyler, a former Polk State School and Hospital employee, and Rita Crawford to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth criticizing her decision to remove Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk.
Letter from Barbara Shook to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 27 Scope and Contents A letter from Barbara Shook, an employee at Polk State School and Hospital, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth questioning the Wohlgemuth's actions and requesting for the reinstatement of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk.
Letter from William Collins to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 20, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 28 Scope and Contents A letter from William Collins, a night aide at Polk State School and Hospital, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth regarding the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk. Collins claims that underfunding, understaffing, and overcrowding are the real issues at Polk.
Letter from Joan Ihlenfeld to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 18, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 29 Scope and Contents A letter from Joan Ihlenfeld to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth protesting the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital and criticizing the actions of Wohlgemuth and PARC.
Letter from Guy Mammolite to Milton Shapp , April 18, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 30 Scope and Contents A letter from Guy Mammolite, mayor of the city of Franklin, PA, to Governor Milton Shapp regarding the removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital. Mammolite expresses his admiration for McClelland and hopes for his reinstatement.
Letter from Michael Ihlenfeld to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 18, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 31 Scope and Contents A letter from Michael Ihlenfeld, a Polk State School and Hospital employee, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth criticizing her decision to remove Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk.
Letter from Barbara Watkins to Milton Shapp , April 18, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 32 Scope and Contents A letter from Barbara Watkins, a Polk State School and Hospital employee, to Governor Milton Shapp defending Dr. James McClelland's tenure as superintendent of Polk.
Letter from Winifred Van Gorp to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 33 Scope and Contents A letter from Winifred Van Gorp to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth criticizing Wohlgemuth's decision to remove Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from M. Blandin to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 18, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 34 Scope and Contents A letter from M. Blandin to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth criticizing Wohlgemuth's actions at Polk State School and Hospital and accusing her of acting too hastily.
Letter from Margaret Grace to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 35 Scope and Contents A letter from Margaret Grace, a former Polk State School and Hospital employee, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth disapproving of the removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Mary Jane Jerko to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 36 Scope and Contents A letter from Mary Jane Jerko, the wife of a teacher at Polk State School and Hospital and the mother of a child with intellectual and developmental disabilities, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth protesting the removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk.
Letter from Eleanor S. to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 18, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 37 Scope and Contents A letter from Eleanor S., the cousin of a former Polk State School and Hospital resident, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth disapproving of the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk.
Letter from Estelle H. to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 18, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 38 Scope and Contents A letter from Estelle H., the mother of a Polk State and School resident, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth protesting the removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk.
Letter from a "Penn Citizen" to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 21, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 39 Scope and Contents An anonymous letter signed by a "Penn Citizen" to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth disapproving of the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Mr. and Mrs. W. to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 20, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 40 Scope and Contents A letter from Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W., parents of a Polk State School and Hospital resident, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth protesting the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk.
Letter from Samuel Fine to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 41 Scope and Contents A letter from Samuel Fine to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth protesting the removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Mrs. Daye to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 42 Scope and Contents A letter from Mrs. Daye to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth condemning the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Donna Straps to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 43 Scope and Contents A letter from Donna Straps, a child care aide at Polk State School and Hospital, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth criticizing Wohlgemuth's decision to fire Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of the institution and demands his reinstatement.
Letter from Luella Moffat to Helene Wohlgemuth , April 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 44 Scope and Contents A letter from Luella Moffat to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth regarding Wohlgemuth's decision to remove Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital. Moffat speaks highly of Polk and McClelland.
Letter from Virginia Thornburgh to Helene Wohlgemuth , January 10, 1974 Containers Box 4 , Folder 22 Box 4 , Folder 22 , Item 45 Scope and Contents A letter from Virginia Thornburgh, chairwoman of the Residential Care Committee for ACC-PARC, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth describing the dehumanizing practices still taking place at Polk State School and Hospital's Gardenside Building even after the removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent.
DPW: Helene Wohlgemuth Regarding Cages at Polk Center News Clippings , 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 23 "Polk Editorial Lauded" Letter to the Editor , April 29, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 23 Box 4 , Folder 23 , Item 1 Scope and Contents An Erie Times-News letter to the editor from Homes H. J. Raudenbush focusing on the issue of overcrowding of state schools and institutions.
"Support Grows for Fired Polk Head" Article , April 21, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 23 Box 4 , Folder 23 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A copy of the "Support Grows for Fired Polk Head" article in the News-Tribune of Beaver Falls discussing the growing support for Dr. James McClelland following his dismissal as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital. A portion of the "Pennhurst Restraint Use Is Cut" article is visible at the bottom.
The Patriot Articles , April 23, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 23 Box 4 , Folder 23 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A copy of the "Psychiatrist Says Use of Wooden Pens 'Accepted' Treatment" and "Backed by Frame McClelland Given Pledge of Support" articles in The Patriot newspaper. The first article discusses the widespread and accepted use of playpens, the second discusses the support Dr. James McClelland received from Richard Frame, the state senator of Venango county.
Sunday Patriot-News Articles , April 22, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 23 Box 4 , Folder 23 , Item 4 Scope and Contents A copy of "Polk Hospital Firing 'Hasty'" letter to the editor and "Polk Rally Supports McClelland" article in the Sunday Patriot-News, the Sunday edition of The Patriot. The letter to the editor protests the firing of Dr. James McClelland, feeling that the dismissal was hasty and the playpens were for the protection of residents. The article discusses the rally by McClelland supporters protesting his dismissal as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
"Hospital Where Chief Fired Has 1-1.5 Staff-Patient Ratio" Article , April 20, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 23 Box 4 , Folder 23 , Item 5 Scope and Contents A copy of the "Hospital Where Chief Fired Has 1-1.5 Staff-Patient Ratio" article from The Patriot newspaper regarding the overcrowding and lack of funding at Polk State School and Hospital.
"'More Staff, Training' Is Answer, Superintendent Says: Hamburg Facility Relies on Drugs" Article , April 20, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 23 Box 4 , Folder 23 , Item 6 Scope and Contents An article from The Patriot newspaper regarding the problem of overcrowding in state schools and hospitals. The author argues that without more staff and training, the alternatives to cages, like those removed at Polk State School and Hospital, are drugs and restraints.
"Doctor Tests 'Reward' Plan" Article , April 21, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 23 Box 4 , Folder 23 , Item 7 Scope and Contents An article from The Patriot newspaper regarding the attempts to use positive reinforcement and rewards rather than drugs and restraints to control the behavior of residents.
"U.S. Mental Health Care: Animal, Vegetable or Human Being?" Article , May 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 23 Box 4 , Folder 23 , Item 8 Scope and Contents A scan of the "U.S. Mental Health Care: Animal, Vegetable or Human Being?" article in the Government Executive magazine regarding the treatment of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the United States.
"McClelland Dismissal an Unjustified Act" Article , May 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 23 Box 4 , Folder 23 , Item 9 Scope and Contents An opinion page column for The Herald newspaper denouncing the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital, and expressing a belief that the cages are a much more humane way to deal with possibly violent residents at the overcrowded school than drugs or physical restraints.
"State Welfare Chief in Error at Polk" Article , May 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 23 Box 4 , Folder 23 , Item 10 Scope and Contents A letter to the Editor of The Herald newspaper from Mr. and Mrs. Frank Vellente, the parents of a Polk State School and Hospital resident, disapproving of the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk and believe that his work improved the lives of the residents at the institution.
"Welfare Head Suspect as a Credible Judge" Article , April 27, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 23 Box 4 , Folder 23 , Item 11 Scope and Contents A letter to the Editor of The Herald newspaper from Mary K. Zahniser regarding the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital. Zahniser believes that Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth acted hastily in her decision.
The Herald Letters to the Editor , May 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 23 Box 4 , Folder 23 , Item 12 Scope and Contents The letter to the editor section of The Herald newspaper focusing on the situation of Polk State School and Hospital. The letter from A. D. Armstrong, a former Polk employee, compares the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent to the biblical story of Naboth, who was brought down by a false plot against him.
News Release from the Tri-County Mental Health Association , April 27, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 23 Box 4 , Folder 23 , Item 13 Scope and Contents A news release from the Tri-County Mental Health Association denouncing the use of cages at Polk State School and Hospital.
Broadcast Opinion of Charles H. Warner Transcript , April 26, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 23 Box 4 , Folder 23 , Item 14 Scope and Contents The transcript of an editorial broadcast by WWSW Executive Vice President and General Manager Charles H. Warner. Warner believes that the actions of Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth were hasty and suggests that Wohlgemuth knew of the cages at Polk State School and Hospital before her visit.
"Patient Cage Draws Firing of Doctor" Article , April 18, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 23 Box 4 , Folder 23 , Item 15 Scope and Contents A copy of the "Patient Cage Draws Firing of Doctor" article from the Evening Chronicle newspaper regarding Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth's surprise visit to Polk State School and Hospital.
"State Hospital Inmate 'Caging' Is Prohibited" Article , April 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 23 Box 4 , Folder 23 , Item 16 Scope and Contents A copy of the "State Hospital Inmate 'Caging' Is Prohibited " article from The Patriot newspaper regarding the use of cages at Polk State School and Hospital. Above this article is a note to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth that reads "Helene- I hope you know what you're doing- RESTRICTION VS. DRUGS???? I'VE BEEN THERE."
Press Release from the Mental Patient Civil Liberties Project , April 20, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 23 Box 4 , Folder 23 , Item 17 Scope and Contents A press release from the Mental Patient Civil Liberties Project supporting Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth's actions at Polk State School and Hospital and listing similarly deplorable conditions in hospitals in the Philadelphia area.
DPW: Helene Wohlgemuth Regarding Cages at Polk Center Press Releases , 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 24 Department of Public Welfare News Release "Polk Superintendent Fired" , April 17, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 24 Box 4 , Folder 24 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A news release from the Department of Public Welfare regarding Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth's unannounced visit to Polk State School and Hospital and ensuing firing of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent.
Draft of News Article to Harrisburg , April 17, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 24 Box 4 , Folder 24 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A draft version of a news article regarding Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth's visit to Polk State School and Hospital, the firing of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent, and the removal of cages used to restrain residents.
DPW: Helene Wohlgemuth Regarding Cages at Polk Center Grove City Borough Council Resolution , 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 25 Resolution from the Borough of Grove City in Support of Dr. James McClelland , April 25, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 25 Box 4 , Folder 25 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A resolution passed by the Borough of Grove City in support of Dr. James McClelland following his removal as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital. The resolution also calls for an impartial investigation into McClelland's dismissal.
ACC-PARC Press Releases , 1972-1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 26 ACC-PARC News Conference Regarding Louis Novak , August 28, 1972 Containers Box 4 , Folder 26 Box 4 , Folder 26 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A transcript for an ACC-PARC news conference regarding the death of Louis Novak, a resident of Ridgeview Center. ACC-PARC claims that Novak's death, as well as the deaths of other patients at interim care facilities, were preventable and demands that the state investigate and prosecute negligent and abusive facilities.
Louis Novak Investigation Note , August 22, 1972 Containers Box 4 , Folder 26 Box 4 , Folder 26 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A note from ACC-PARC President Norman Mulgrave granting Vendel Sistik and Bob Nelkin authority to gather information about Louis Novak, his death, and Ridgeview Center on behalf of ACC-PARC.
Progress Report (Post-McClelland) , 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 27 Polk Progress Report - Four Months , September 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 27 Box 4 , Folder 27 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A report on the status of Polk State School and Hospital programs, policies, and events four months after Joseph Colombatter started as superintendent.
"Three Months of Progress at Polk State School and Hospital" Report , July 20, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 27 Box 4 , Folder 27 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A report on the status of Polk State School and Hospital three months after the removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent.
Newsletters , 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 28 Case Files and Notes , 1973-1976 Containers Box 4 , Folder 29 Placement of Michael W. Letter , January 12, 1976 Containers Box 4 , Folder 29 Box 4 , Folder 29 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from attorney Eric Anderson to Clay Appel inquiring about the feasibility of foster home placement for Michael W., an individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Anderson states that Michael W. has been in a shelter for six months waiting for placement in an institution or a group home. Anderson credits Bob Nelkin for giving him information about foster homes.
Case Files and Notes Regarding Death , 1975 Containers Box 4 , Folder 30 Memo Regarding Death of Carl Fisher , May 6, 1975 Containers Box 4 , Folder 30 Box 4 , Folder 30 , Item 1 Scope and Contents An ACC-PARC memo from Doug Spencer to fellow ACC-PARC members regarding the death of Carl Fisher, a resident of Polk State School and Hospital.
Incident Report for the Death of Carl Fisher , April 16, 1975 Containers Box 4 , Folder 30 Box 4 , Folder 30 , Item 2 Scope and Contents An incident report filed for the disappearance and death of Carl Fisher, a resident of Polk State School and Hospital.
"Death Is Ruled Accidental" Article , April 18, 1975 Containers Box 4 , Folder 30 Box 4 , Folder 30 , Item 3 Scope and Contents An article from The Derrick newspaper regarding the ruling of the death of Carl Fisher, a resident of Polk State School and Hospital, as an accident.
Letter to Joseph Colombatto from C. Richard Slater Regarding Carl Fisher , April 15, 1975 Containers Box 4 , Folder 30 Box 4 , Folder 30 , Item 4 Scope and Contents A letter from C. Richard Slater, director of the Residential Program Department at the Department of Public Welfare, to Joseph J. Colombatto, superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital, regarding the death of Carl Fisher, a Polk resident.
Raymond H. Case File Records (Death) , 1972-1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 31 Investigation of the Death of Raymond Helman Letter , October 24, 1972 Containers Box 4 , Folder 31 Box 4 , Folder 31 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from Edward Harris to ACC-PARC President Dr. Norman Mulgrave reporting on the investigation into the death of Raymond Helman, a Polk State School and Hospital resident. Newspapers received a copy of this report for publication.
"Inquest Ordered in Polk Death" Article , August 29, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 31 Box 4 , Folder 31 , Item 2 Scope and Contents An article from The News-Herald newspaper regarding the investigation into the death of Raymond Helman, a resident of Polk State School and Hospital.
Dispersal Task Force Records , 1973-1977 Containers Box 4 , Folder 32 Notes on Polk Dispersal Meeting , December 27, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 32 Box 4 , Folder 32 , Item 1 Scope and Contents Notes taken, possibly by Bob Nelkin, during a meeting in Harrisburg regarding the Polk Dispersal Project.
Polk Dispersal Plan Outline , January 9, 1974 Containers Box 4 , Folder 32 Box 4 , Folder 32 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A letter from Charles Peters to members of the Polk State School Dispersal Task Force outlining the plan to disperse up to one-third of the population at Polk State School and Hospital.
"Polk Improving, but Patient Load Problems Persist" Article , February 8, 1974 Containers Box 4 , Folder 32 Box 4 , Folder 32 , Item 3 Scope and Contents An article from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about the new superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital Joseph Colombatto, improvements at Polk, and the issue of overcrowding still prevalent at the institution.
Letter from Bob Nelkin to Anna Belle Calloway , September 18, 1975 Containers Box 4 , Folder 32 Box 4 , Folder 32 , Item 4 Scope and Contents A letter from Bob Nelkin, associate executive director of ACC-PARC, to Anna Belle Calloway, deputy secretary of the Department of Public Welfare's Western Region, requesting information on the Polk Dispersal Project and if the DPW plans to expand the project.
Letter from Charles Peters to Peter Polloni , May 12, 1977 Containers Box 4 , Folder 32 Box 4 , Folder 32 , Item 5 Scope and Contents A letter from Charles Peters, administrator of the Allegheny County Mental Health/Mental Retardation/Drug and Alcohol Program, to Peter Polloni, deputy secretary of the Office of Mental Retardation in the Department of Public Welfare. Peters expresses his support for the Polk Dispersal Project and a transition to community living arrangements for Polk State School and Hospital residents. Peters also expresses concern over future issues such as Polk's geriatric population.
Community Living Arrangements Plan Fiscal Year 1977-1978 , May 6, 1977 Containers Box 4 , Folder 32 Box 4 , Folder 32 , Item 6 Scope and Contents An update to the Community Living Arrangements Plan for the fiscal year 1977-1978 as it relates to the Polk Dispersal Plan to disperse a portion of the population at Polk Center to alternative living arrangements.
Report: Facility Survey (Dispersal) , 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 33 News Clippings , 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 34 News Clippings Regarding Cages , 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 35 News Clippings Regarding Conditions , 1973-1997 Containers Box 4 , Folder 36 News Clippings , 1972-1975 Containers Box 4 , Folder 37 Correspondence , 1974 Containers Box 4 , Folder 38 Letter from Bob Nelkin to Nick D'Aluisio , July 15, 1974 Containers Box 4 , Folder 38 Box 4 , Folder 38 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from Bob Nelkin, associate executive director of ACC-PARC, to Nick D'Aluisio, assistant superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital, praising the institution for an updated manual for employees but disagrees with the use of restraints on residents.
Letter from Marlene Burda to Norman Taylor , December 9, 1974 Containers Box 4 , Folder 38 Box 4 , Folder 38 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A letter from Marlene Burda, chairwoman on the PARC Residential Services Committee, to Norman Taylor, Deputy Secretary of the Western Region of the Department of Public Welfare, inquiring into the 110 electric beds promised to Polk State School and Hospital. Burda recently visited Polk and believes that the beds will improve the quality of life for residents.
Dispersal - Park Nursing Home Correspondence , 1974 Containers Box 4 , Folder 39 Correspondence , 1975 Containers Box 4 , Folder 40 Letter from Kenneth Winograd to Charles Peters , January 22, 1975 Containers Box 4 , Folder 40 Box 4 , Folder 40 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from Associate Administrator for Planning and Evaluation of the Allegheny County Mental Health and Mental Retardation Program, Kenneth Winograd, to Charles Peters, Commissioner of the Office of Mental Retardation's Western Region. Winograd is troubled by the possibility of the OMR scaling back the funding for day programs offered to Polk State School and Hospital residents living at Allegheny Valley School.
Letter from Charles Peters to Virginia Thornburgh , February 20, 1975 Containers Box 4 , Folder 40 Box 4 , Folder 40 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A letter from Charles Peters, Commissioner of Mental Retardation for the Department of Public Welfare, to Virginia Thornburgh, president of ACC-PARC, regarding two court commitments to Polk State School.
Letter from Virginia Thornburgh to Norman Taylor , February 10, 1975 Containers Box 4 , Folder 40 Box 4 , Folder 40 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A letter from Virginia Thornburgh, ACC-PARC president, to Norman Taylor, deputy secretary of the Department of Public Welfare, expressing frustration with new admissions accepted to Polk State School despite overcrowding and dispersal efforts.
Letter from Bob Nelkin to Joseph Colombatto , June 10, 1975 Containers Box 4 , Folder 40 Box 4 , Folder 40 , Item 4 Scope and Contents A letter from Bob Nelkin, associate executive director of ACC-PARC, to Joseph Colombatto, superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital, asking about admissions to Polk in the past year. Nelkin hopes that Polk halts admissions like Western State School and Hospital.
Correspondence Regarding Deaths , 1975 Containers Box 4 , Folder 41 Letter from Ronald Archer to Bob Nelkin and Doug Spencer , April 17, 1975 Containers Box 4 , Folder 41 Box 4 , Folder 41 , Item 1 Scope and Contents An internal ACC-PARC letter from Ronald Archer to Bob Nelkin and Doug Spencer regarding the death of Carl Fisher at Polk State School and Hospital.
Correspondence , 1976 Containers Box 4 , Folder 42 Nicholas D'Aluisio Response to 1976 Visit to Polk State School and Hospital , March 12-24, 1976 Containers Box 4 , Folder 42 Box 4 , Folder 42 , Item 1 Scope and Contents Letters from Herbert Wilkerson, information officer for the Allegheny County Mental Health and Mental Retardation Program, and Nicholas D'Aluisio, superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital regarding a recent visit from Allegheny County's Base Servicre Units.
Letter from Bob Nelkin to Anna Belle Calloway (2) , May 27, 1976 Containers Box 4 , Folder 42 Box 4 , Folder 42 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A letter from Bob Nelkin, associate executive director of ACC-PARC, to Anna Belle Calloway, deputy secretary of the Department of Public Welfare's Western Region, urging for the development of a plan to expand the Polk Dispersal Project.
Correspondence Regarding Dispersal Program , 1976 Containers Box 4 , Folder 43 Letter from Larry Jenkins on behalf of Anna Bell Calloway to Bob Nelkin , June 10, 1976 Containers Box 4 , Folder 43 Box 4 , Folder 43 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from Larry Jenkins, acting commissioner of mental retardation for the Department of Public Welfare, on behalf of Anna Belle Calloway to Bob Nelkin, associate executive director of ACC-PARC, regarding plans for the Polk Dispersal Project.
Correspondence , 1977 Containers Box 4 , Folder 44 Letter from Nicholas D'Aluisio to Bob Nelkin , January 18, 1978 Containers Box 4 , Folder 44 Box 4 , Folder 44 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from Nicholas D'Aluisio, superintendent of Polk Center, to Bob Nelkin, associate executive director of ACC-PARC, responding to the reports of a hiring freeze at the institution.
Letter from Bob Nelkin to Nicholas D'Aluisio , January 13, 1978 Containers Box 4 , Folder 44 Box 4 , Folder 44 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A letter from Bob Nelkin, associate executive director for ACC-PARC, to Nicholas D'Aluisio, superintendent of Polk Center, regarding reports of a hiring freeze at the institution.
Subseries 4. State Schools and Hospitals (SSH) and Interim Care Facilities , 1972-1984 Scope and Contents This subseries is comprised of records such as correspondence, news clippings, and various reports that document the advocacy efforts of ACC-PARC on behalf of the intellectually disabled residents at other various care facilities in Western Pa. Facilities represented in this subseries include the Cresson and Ebensburg Centers, the Highland Park Center, the Mountaintop School, the Pleasant Manor, the Ridgeview Center, the Robinson Development Center, Selinsgrove State School and Hospital, and the Stillmeadow School. Worthy of note are those records pertaining to the Highland Park Center, which document efforts by ACC-PARC to expose and eradicate the maladaptive behavior programming at this facility. This treatment plan included the use of cattle prods and physical restraints on people with disabilities.
Visitation Team Reports - ACC-PARC and PARC Correspondence , 1972-1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 45 L. Steuart Brown Memo to PARC Chapter Presidents and Executives , August 6, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 45 Box 4 , Folder 45 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A memo from PARC President L. Steuart Brown regarding the implementation of a PARC resolution asking county chapters to monitor state institutions in their areas.
ACC-PARC Press Release , April 19, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 45 Box 4 , Folder 45 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A copy of ACC-PARC's press release defending PARC President Patricia Clapp against criticism over her role in helping to remove Superintendent Dr. McClelland from Polk State School.
Patricia Clapp Memo to PARC Chapter Presidents and Executives , April 23, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 45 Box 4 , Folder 45 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A memo from Patricia Clapp, president of PARC, to Chapter Presidents and Executives regarding the situation at Polk State School that led to the removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent.
Polk State School and Hospital Visit Report (3) , January 24, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 45 Box 4 , Folder 45 , Item 4 Scope and Contents A report by Virginia Thornburgh and Bob Nelkin detailing the deplorable conditions at Polk State School during a visit to the institution.
Letter from Helene Wohlgemuth to Mr. and Mrs. Rosenblatt , May 7, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 45 Box 4 , Folder 45 , Item 5 Scope and Contents A letter from Helene Wohlgemuth reassuring concerned parents of a Polk State School resident in the aftermath of Superintendent Dr. James McClelland's dismissal.
"Mail Censorship Charged at Polk" Article , February 27, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 45 Box 4 , Folder 45 , Item 6 Scope and Contents A scan of the "Mail Censorship Charged at Polk" article from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette discussing the mail censorship and telephone restrictions at Polk State School and Hospital.
Letter from Robert Hiltner to Charles Peters , March 7, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 45 Box 4 , Folder 45 , Item 7 Scope and Contents A letter from Robert Hiltner, superintendent of Western State School and Hospital, to Charles Peters of ACC-PARC. Hiltner states that he recognizes ACC-PARC as a legitimate advocacy organization that he hopes to work with to create a better living condition for the residents of WSSH. Hiltner also outlines the procedures for announced and unannounced visits to the institution.
Report on Visit to Laurelton State School and Hospital , March 9, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 45 Box 4 , Folder 45 , Item 8 Scope and Contents A report by Virginia Thornburgh following a visit to Laurelton State School and hospital with Marcella Ganoe, Mifflin County ARC President. Thornburgh outlines her findings and includes recommendations for the institution.
Letter from Eleanor Elkin to Commissioner Ed Goldman , February 22, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 45 Box 4 , Folder 45 , Item 9 Scope and Contents A letter from Eleanor Elkin, chairwoman of the Residential Services Committee, to Commissioner of Mental Retardation Ed Goldman listing PARC members' concerns and recommendations regarding conditions at Hamburg State School and Hospital.
Notes on Cresson State School Fire , February 15, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 45 Box 4 , Folder 45 , Item 10 Scope and Contents A scan of notes, possibly written by Bob Nelkin, detailing the facts of the fire at Cresson State School.
Additional Notes on Fire at Cresson State School , February 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 45 Box 4 , Folder 45 , Item 11 Scope and Contents A scan of handwritten notes related to a fire at Cresson State School that killed at least two patients.
"Sprinklers Cited in Retarded Fire Deaths" Article , February 17, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 45 Box 4 , Folder 45 , Item 12 Scope and Contents A copy of the "Sprinklers Cited in Retarded Fire Deaths" article in the Pittsburgh Press regarding ACC-PARC's investigation into the fire at Cresson State School.
ACC-PARC News Release (3) , February 16, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 45 Box 4 , Folder 45 , Item 13 Scope and Contents A press release by ACC-PARC providing details of the fire at Cresson State School earlier that month.
Irene Stacy Community Mental Health Center Dispersal Letter , May 3, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 45 Box 4 , Folder 45 , Item 14 Scope and Contents A letter from Elizabeth Honse, a caseworker at the Irene Stacy Community Mental Health Center, informing parents of children older than twelve years old with developmental and intellectual disabilities that they must seek alternative placement for their child.
Bob Nelkin Memo (2) , March 9, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 45 Box 4 , Folder 45 , Item 15 Scope and Contents A memo from Bob Nelkin to the State School and Hospital and Interim Care Committee detailing the cost of institutionalizing patients from Allegheny County.
Bob Nelkin Memo (3) , June 11, 1973 Containers Box 4 , Folder 45 Box 4 , Folder 45 , Item 16 Scope and Contents A memo from Bob Nelkin to fellow ACC-PARC members listing the daily and annual costs of maintaining Polk, Cresson, Western State, and Ebensburg State Schools.
Ebensburg and Cresson Centers Dental Services Advocacy Records , 1975-1979 Containers Box 4 , Folder 46 Letter from PARC Officers to Aldo Colautti , January 8, 1979 Containers Box 4 , Folder 46 Box 4 , Folder 46 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from PARC officers to Secretary Aldo Colautti commending steps taken by the Department of Public Welfare to improve dental care at state institutions. The PARC officers also urge Colautti to allocate more sufficient funds for staff and equipment to further this goal.
Letter from Jay Reznik to Peter Polloni , November 14, 1978 Containers Box 4 , Folder 46 Box 4 , Folder 46 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A letter from Dr. Jay Reznik to Peter Polloni, deputy secretary of the Office of Mental Retardation in the Department of Public Welfare, expressing frustration regarding the DPW's slow response to his review of dental services at state institutions.
Dental Review of Ebensburg Center , c. 1978 Containers Box 4 , Folder 46 Box 4 , Folder 46 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A scan of Dr. Jay Reznik's review of dental services for residents at Ebensburg Center. Reznik concluded that the institution provided grossly inadequate dental care to its residents.
Dental Review of Ebensburg Center (2) , January 23, 1979 Containers Box 4 , Folder 46 Box 4 , Folder 46 , Item 4 Scope and Contents A copy of the January 23, 1979 review of dental services offered to residents of Ebensburg Center. Peter Polloni, deputy secretary of the Office of Mental Retardation in the Department of Public Welfare, requested a review of Ebensburg following Dr. Jay Reznik's report of the dental care at the institution.
Dr. Reznik Dental Review of Cresson Center , c. 1978 Containers Box 4 , Folder 46 Box 4 , Folder 46 , Item 5 Scope and Contents A copy of Dr. Jay Reznik's evaluation of dental services offered to Cresson Center residents. This report includes Reznik's interaction with the staff dentist and an evaluation of the teeth of residents.
Department of Health Dental Review of Cresson Center , January 23, 1979 Containers Box 4 , Folder 46 Box 4 , Folder 46 , Item 6 Scope and Contents A copy of the Pennsylvania Department of Health's review of dental services offered to Cresson Center residents. Peter Polloni, deputy secretary of the Office of Mental Retardation in the Department of Public Welfare, requested this review to verify Dr. Jay Reznik's evaluation of Cresson Center's dental services.
Dental Services Press Packet , January 8, 1979 Containers Box 4 , Folder 46 Box 4 , Folder 46 , Item 7 Scope and Contents A packet distributed by Dr. Jay Reznik and PARC at a press conference after a lack of action by the Department of Public Welfare concerning the dental care of residents of state schools and hospitals. The packet includes minutes, reports, and correspondence regarding the dental health of residents and actions needed.
Ebensburg and Cresson Centers Dental Services Advocacy Records , 1979 Containers Box 4 , Folder 47 Dental Inventory Planned Strategy , February 9, 1979 Containers Box 4 , Folder 47 Box 4 , Folder 47 , Item 1 Scope and Contents Correspondence between Peter Polloni, deputy secretary of the Office of Mental Retardation in the Department of Public Welfare, to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth regarding proposed strategies to improve the dental health of residents of state schools and hospitals. A copy of the proposed dental service inventory plan from the Department of Public Welfare to improve the dental health of residents of state schools and hospitals accompanies this correspondence.
Letter from Alfredo Reyes to Donald Hartley , February 8, 1979 Containers Box 4 , Folder 47 Box 4 , Folder 47 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A letter from Dr. Alfredo Reyes, medical director of Ebensburg Center, to Superintendent Donald Hartley expressing outrage regarding Dr. Jay Reznik's review of dental services offered to residents of the institution.
Ebensburg Center Dental Extractions Policy Bulletin , July 20, 1978 Containers Box 4 , Folder 47 Box 4 , Folder 47 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A policy bulletin from Dr. Donald Hartley, superintendent of Ebensburg Center, explaining the procedure for emergency and non-emergency dental extractions for residents.
Letter from Helen O'Bannon to Teddi Leiden , February 6, 1979 Containers Box 4 , Folder 47 Box 4 , Folder 47 , Item 4 Scope and Contents A letter from Helen O'Bannon to Teddi Leiden, president of PARC, regarding the dental reviews by Dr. Jay Reznik and the Department of Health. O'Bannon lists actions taken by the Department of Public Welfare in response to those reports.
Letter from Teddi Leiden to Aldo Colautti , January 16, 1979 Containers Box 4 , Folder 47 Box 4 , Folder 47 , Item 5 Scope and Contents A letter from Teddi Leiden, president of PARC, to Aldo Colautti, secretary of the Department of Public Welfare, requesting copies of Dr. Jay Reznik's review of dental services at state schools and hospitals.
Proposed Plan for Dental Service Reviews , January 1979 Containers Box 4 , Folder 47 Box 4 , Folder 47 , Item 6 Scope and Contents A proposed plan by the Department of Public Welfare for dental service reviews in response to Dr. Jay Reznik's reviews of Cresson Center and Ebensburg Center.
Cresson Center and Ebensburg Center News Clippings , 1982 Containers Box 4 , Folder 48 Ebensburg Center Correspondence , 1976 Containers Box 4 , Folder 49 Letter from Elsie Schmidt and Marlene Burda to Frank Beal , January 9, 1976 Containers Box 4 , Folder 49 Box 4 , Folder 49 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from Elise Schmidt, president of PARC, and Marlene Burda, chairwoman of the PARC Residential Services Committee, to Secretary Frank Beal of the Department of Public Welfare. Schmidt and Burda report to Beal the conditions of Ebensburg Center following a visit to the institution.
Letter from Marlene Burda to Harry Herman , January 9, 1976 Containers Box 4 , Folder 49 Box 4 , Folder 49 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A letter from Marlene Burda, chairwoman of the PARC Residential Services Committee, to Harry Herman, superintendent of Ebensburg Center, regarding PARC's findings during an unannounced visit to the institution and the participation by Herman and his staff.
Narrative Report of Ebensburg Center , January 9, 1976 Containers Box 4 , Folder 49 Box 4 , Folder 49 , Item 3 Scope and Contents The narrative report of an unannounced visit to Ebensburg Center by Marlene Burda, chairwoman of the PARC Residential Services Committee, and PARC Region IV Vice-President Teddi Leiden. PARC visited Buildings 3, 4, and 6 observing and commenting on physical surroundings, food service, clothing, resident appearance, programming, medical care, staff attitude, and rights of residents. This report accompanied a letter to Harry Herman, superintendent of Ebensburg Center, from Burda.
Letter to Charles Inlander , November 7, 1975 Containers Box 4 , Folder 49 Box 4 , Folder 49 , Item 4 Scope and Contents An anonymous letter to Charles Inlander regarding a lack of programming at a recent visit to a state school, including a lack of educational programming for many of the school-aged residents.
PARC Residential Services Committee Report Format , c. 1970-1979 Containers Box 4 , Folder 49 Box 4 , Folder 49 , Item 5 Scope and Contents A copy of the PARC Residential Services Committee's standard report format for visits to residential facilities.
Letter to Charles Inlander (2) , 1975-12-04 Containers Box 4 , Folder 49 Box 4 , Folder 49 , Item 6 Scope and Contents An unsigned letter to Charles Inlander regarding the author's visit to Ebensburg Center and the lack of educational programming available for residents.
Ebensburg Center Report: PARC , 1977 Containers Box 4 , Folder 50 Narrative Report of Ebensburg Center Draft , October 7, 1977 Containers Box 4 , Folder 50 Box 4 , Folder 50 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A draft of the narrative report for a visit to Ebensburg Center by ACC-PARC and PARC members. Members visited Buildings 3, 4, and 6 observing and commenting on physical surroundings, food service, clothing, resident appearance, programming, medical care, staff attitude, and rights of residents.
Highland Park Center Rights of the Intellectually Disabled , 1976 Containers Box 4 , Folder 51 Highland Park Center Policies , March 17, 1976 Containers Box 4 , Folder 51 Box 4 , Folder 51 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A copy of policies at Highland Park Center that aligns with the United Nation's 1971 Declaration on the Rights of Mentally Retarded Persons and a copy of Highland Park Center's 1976 edition of the Bill of Rights for residents.
Highland Park Center Residents Rights , 1979 Containers Box 4 , Folder 52 Highland Park Center Statement of Resident's Rights , December 1979 Containers Box 4 , Folder 52 Box 4 , Folder 52 , Item 1 Scope and Contents Highland Park Center's Statement of Resident's Rights. Sections of this statement include communications, free exercise of religion, labor, money and possessions, least restrictive setting, treatment, redress of grievances, abuse, voting, visitation by outside groups, discipline, and restraints.
Highland Park Center Maladaptive Behavior Programming Correspondence, Reports, and Policies , 1983 Containers Box 4 , Folder 53 Letter from N. Karen Kelly to Walter Cohen , June 2, 1983 Containers Box 4 , Folder 53 Box 4 , Folder 53 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from N. Karen Kelly, past president the ARC Allegheny County, to Secretary Walter Cohen of the Department of Public Welfare regarding ARC Allegheny's concerns about maladaptive behavior treatments at Highland Park Center, including the use of animal prods on residents.
Highland Park Center Report , May 27, 1983 Containers Box 4 , Folder 53 Box 4 , Folder 53 , Item 2 Scope and Contents The ARC Allegheny visitation team's report after a visit to Highland Park Center. The team addressed numerous issues, including the use of a cattle prod and restraints on residents.
Highland Park Center Maladaptive Behavior Program Progress Report , February 1983 Containers Box 4 , Folder 53 Box 4 , Folder 53 , Item 3 Scope and Contents Dr. Mario Fischetti's report on maladaptive behavior treatment at Highland Park Center to the Board of Directors. Fischetti's includes his justification for the use of electroshock therapy in certain cases.
Memo from Peg Veedock to Highland Park Center Staff , January 25, 1983 Containers Box 4 , Folder 53 Box 4 , Folder 53 , Item 4 Scope and Contents A memo from Associate Executive Director of Highland Park Center Peg Veedock to the rest of the staff praising them after a review.
Highland Park Center Maladaptive Behavior Program Report , c. 1983 Containers Box 4 , Folder 53 Box 4 , Folder 53 , Item 5 Scope and Contents A report to the Board of Highland Park Center by Dr. Mario Fischetti regarding external reviews of the institution's maladaptive behavior treatments. Fischetti notes that the center discontinued the use of electroshock treatment as a result.
Highland Park Center Program Services Department Status Report , January 27, 1983 Containers Box 4 , Folder 53 Box 4 , Folder 53 , Item 6 Scope and Contents A status report for Highland Park Center's Program Services Department by Millie Telega, assistant executive director for program services.
Highland Park Center Maladaptive Behavior Program Progress Report (2) , April 1983 Containers Box 4 , Folder 53 Box 4 , Folder 53 , Item 7 Scope and Contents A report to the Board of Highland Park Center by Dr. Mario Fischetti regarding concerns about the use of electroshock treatment at the center and the steps taken to evaluate the use of such treatment.
Letter from N. Karen Kelly to Dorothy Rowe , April 4, 1983 Containers Box 4 , Folder 53 Box 4 , Folder 53 , Item 8 Scope and Contents A letter from N. Karen Kelly, first vice president the ARC of Pennsylvania, to Dorothy Rowe of the Office of Mental Retardation listing recommendations for state institutions, including suggestions to improve programming and staff training.
Bob Nelkin Notes on Erik Wittman , September 30, 1983 Containers Box 4 , Folder 53 Box 4 , Folder 53 , Item 9 Scope and Contents Handwritten notes by Bob Nelkin after a meeting with Erik Wittman, leader of a Department of Public Welfare investigation into Highland Park Center.
Letter from Walter Cohen to N. Karen Kelly , June 27, 1983 Containers Box 4 , Folder 53 Box 4 , Folder 53 , Item 10 Scope and Contents A letter from Secretary Walter Cohen of the Department of Public Welfare to N. Karen Kelly, member of the ARC of Allegheny County, addressing concerns regarding the Maladaptive Behavior Program at Highland Park Center.
Highland Park Center Emma M.: Maladaptive Behavior Program , 1980-1982 Containers Box 4 , Folder 54 Highland Park Center Research: Electroshock Therapy Maladaptive Behavior , c. 1970-1980 Containers Box 4 , Folder 55 Highland Park Center Photographs (Building Exterior, Electric Cattle Prod, and Restraints) , 1983 Containers Box 4 , Folder 56 Highland Park Center Restraining Chair , August 1983 Containers Box 4 , Folder 56 Box 4 , Folder 56 , Item 1 Scope and Contents An image of a chair with restraints used on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at Highland Park Center.
Highland Park Center Resident Helmet , August 1983 Containers Box 4 , Folder 56 Box 4 , Folder 56 , Item 2 Scope and Contents An image of a helmet used on an individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities at Highland Park Center.
Highland Park Center Resident Helmet (2) , August 1983 Containers Box 4 , Folder 56 Box 4 , Folder 56 , Item 3 Scope and Contents An image of a helmet used on an individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities at Highland Park Center.
Highland Park Center Straitjacket , August 1983 Containers Box 4 , Folder 56 Box 4 , Folder 56 , Item 4 Scope and Contents An image of a straitjacket used on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at Highland Park Center.
Highland Park Center Cattle Prod , August 1983 Containers Box 4 , Folder 56 Box 4 , Folder 56 , Item 5 Scope and Contents An image of a cattle prod used to shock individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at Highland Park Center.
Highland Park Center News Clippings, July 1983-February 1984 , 1983-1984 Containers Box 4 , Folder 57 Mountaintop School Report: Visitation , 1972 Containers Box 4 , Folder 58 Findings of the ACC-PARC Review Team at Mountaintop School for the Mentally Retarded , October 20, 1972 Containers Box 4 , Folder 58 Box 4 , Folder 58 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A report by the ACC-PARC Review Team detailing the incidents of abuse at Mountaintop School for the Mentally Retarded in Wapwallopen, Pennsylvania.
Pleasant Manor Correspondence Regarding Site Visit , 1982 Containers Box 4 , Folder 59 Ridgeview Center Correspondence Regarding Court Appearance , 1972 Containers Box 4 , Folder 60 Letter from Donald Oesterling to Bob Nelkin , October 31, 1972 Containers Box 4 , Folder 60 Box 4 , Folder 60 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from Pennsylvania State Senator Donald Oesterling to Bob Nelkin offering the opportunity to testify to the State Senate in regards to the death of Louis Novak at Ridgeview Center.
Ridgeview Center News Clippings, August-October 1972 , 1972 Containers Box 4 , Folder 61 Robinson Development Center Correspondence , 1976 Containers Box 4 , Folder 62 Slingsgrove State School and Hospital Correspondence Regarding Supplemental Security Income , 1975-1976 Containers Box 4 , Folder 63 Bob Nelkin Letter Regarding Supplemental Security Income Benefits at Selinsgrove State School and Hospital , March 30, 1976 Containers Box 4 , Folder 63 Box 4 , Folder 63 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A letter from Bob Nelkin to the superintendent of Selinsgrove State School and Hospital inquiring about the institution's procedures regarding Supplemental Security Income and Social Security for residents.
Letter from Joseph Scartelli to Bob Nelkin , April 14, 1976 Containers Box 4 , Folder 63 Box 4 , Folder 63 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A letter from Joseph Scartelli, superintendent of Selinsgrove State School and Hospital, to Bob Nelkin responding to his inquiries about the institution's procedures regarding Supplemental Security Income and Social Security for residents.
Stillmeadow School News Clippings , 1972 Containers Box 4 , Folder 64 Subseries 5. Research , 1966-1981 Scope and Contents This series is comprised of research materials gathered and utilized by ACC-PARC members that supported their advocacy work in residential care facilities. The records in this series include research articles, exposés, and books pertaining to topics such as the right to live in community, institutional models, mental health services, citizen advocacy, resident deaths, inadequacies at institutions, and mental health conditions and abuses. Titles include Christmas in Purgatory , The Origin and Nature of our Institutional Models , and The Family Papers: A Return to Purgatory .
Publications and Exposes I , 1966-1975 Containers Box 5 , Folder 1 Publications and Exposes II , 1966-1975 Containers Box 5 , Folder 2 Publications and Exposes III , 1966-1975 Containers Box 5 , Folder 3 Publications and Exposes IV , 1966-1975 Containers Box 5 , Folder 4 Citizen Advocacy for the Handicapped, Impaired, and Disadvantaged - The President's Committee on Mental Retardation , 1972 Containers Box 5 , Folder 5 MH/MR Articles , 1973 Containers Box 5 , Folder 6 Pennsylvania Residential Services Articles , 1977 Containers Box 5 , Folder 7 Advocacy Articles , 1977-1979 Containers Box 5 , Folder 8 Mental Health - Conditions and Abuse , 1978 Containers Box 5 , Folder 9 Program Analysis of Service Systems (MR) , 1978 Containers Box 5 , Folder 10 The Community Imperative: Refutation of All Arguments in Support of Institutionalization Anybody Because of Mental Retardation I , 1979 Containers Box 5 , Folder 11 The Community Imperative: Refutation of All Arguments in Support of Institutionalization Anybody Because of Mental Retardation II , 1979 Containers Box 5 , Folder 12 The Right to Live in the Community , 1980 Containers Box 5 , Folder 13 Publications: MR , 1981 Containers Box 5 , Folder 14 Notes: MR Treatment Models , Undated Containers Box 5 , Folder 15 Research Articles , 1980-1981 Containers Box 5 , Folder 16 Series III. Scrapbooks , 1966-1975 Scope and Contents This series is comprised of three scrapbooks that document ACC-PARC activities and programs throughout the 1960s and 1970s. The first scrapbook documents ACC-PARC activities and initiatives throughout 1966-1967, including benefits, workshops, awards, fund drives, presentations, and advocacy efforts. In particular, this scrapbook highlights ACC-PARC efforts to raise public awareness of the abilities of people with disabilities to work. The second scrapbook dates to 1972 and is comprised of news clippings that document deaths of residents at the Ridgeview Center. The third scrapbook details the Melwood Preschool program (1974-1975) for the people with disabilities and includes class photos, class activities, and class field trips.
ACC-PARC Scrapbook , 1966-1967 Containers Shelf 1 , volume 1 Pat Clapp Scrapbook on Hillcrest/Ridgeview Center , 1972 Containers Shelf 1 , Volume 2 Melwood Preschool Scrapbook , 1974-1975 Containers Shelf 1 , Volume 3 Series IV. Photographs , 1955-2000 Scope and Contents This series contains photographs that include portraits (ca1960s-ca1990s), group shots (ca1960s-ca1990s), PR images (1975-1986), award ceremony shots (1977-1988), and other event-related photographs. Events captured in these photographs include the Opportunity Center/PARC-Way initiative (1984-1998), the Avalon Group Home (1991), the ARC-Allegheny dedication (1998), and camp activities (2000).
Portraits , c. 1960-1990 Containers Box 5 , Folder 17 Group Shots , 1955-1990 Containers Box 5 , Folder 18 Press Photographs , 1975-1986 Containers Box 5 , Folder 19 Awards , 1977-1988 Containers Box 5 , Folder 20 Opportunity Center/PARC-Way , 1984-1998 Containers Box 5 , Folder 21 Avalon Group Home , 1991 Containers Box 5 , Folder 22 Dedication Celebration , 1998 Containers Box 5 , Folder 23 Camp Activities , 2000 Containers Box 5 , Folder 24 