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.
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).
The Bob Nelkin Collection of ACC-PARC Records is arranged into four series and several
subseries.
Container list added and finding aid edited by Bryan Brown. 3/17/2020.
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.
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.
Gift from George Pashel in 2013.
Preliminary processing by Sierra Green on 1/20/2014. Container list added and finding aid
edited by Bryan Brown in 2020.
A portion of this collection has been digitized and can be found online.
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
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.
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| box | folder | ACC-PARC Historic Information Written by Sara Settler 1963 | 1 | 1 |
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| box | folder | PARC History and Case Study of Social Change Movement c. 1979 | 1 | 2 |
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| box | folder | Officer and Board Member Lists 1966-1977 | 1 | 3 |
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| box | folder | Board and Staff Manual 1967-1968 | 1 | 4 |
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| box | folder | Presidents Notes c. 1966 | 1 | 5 |
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| box | folder | Executive Board Meeting Minutes 1953 | 1 | 6 |
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| box | Folder | Clinic Committee Meeting Minutes 1956 | 1 | 7 |
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| box | Folder | Community Conference Meeting Minutes 1956 | 1 | 8 |
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| box | Folder | Legal Committee Minutes 1953 | 1 | 9 |
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| box | Folder | Correspondence 1975 | 1 | 10 |
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| box | Folder | Correspondence Regarding Bill of Rights 1975 | 1 | 11 |
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| box | folder | Recent Litigation Memo July 11, 1975 | 1 | 11 | Online
A PARC internal memo that summarizes recent litigation that impacts the lives of
residents of state institutions.
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| box | Folder | Correspondence (Bob Nelkin) Regarding Recognition 1975 | 1 | 12 |
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| box | folder | Letter from Peter Polloni to Bob Nelkin March 11, 1975 | 1 | 12 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Correspondence (Bob Nelkin) Regarding Behavioral Shaping Programs 1975-1976 | 1 | 13 |
|
| box | folder | Letter to Frank Beal from Families and Friends of Southwest Rehabilitation
Center August 19, 1976 | 1 | 13 | Online
A letter from Families and Friends of Southwest Rehabilitation Center expressing
the need for the creation of a behavioral management unit at the institution.
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| box | folder | Letter from families of patients at Southwest Rehabilitation Center to Bob
Nelkin July 27, 1976 | 1 | 13 | Online
A letter requesting Bob Nelkin's advice on advocating for a behavioral care unit at
Southwest Rehabilitation Center.
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| box | Folder | Correspondence Regarding DPW Policy 1976 | 1 | 14 |
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| box | Folder | Correspondence (Bob Nelkin) Regarding Social Security Benefits 1976 | 1 | 15 |
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| box | Folder | Correspondence (Bob Nelkin) 1977-1978 | 1 | 16 |
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| box | folder | ACC-PARC Recent Benefits to Families Memo March 28, 1977 | 1 | 16 | Online
Correspondence from Bob Nelkin to Joan Murdoch listing recent developments that
have benefited parents of disabled children.
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| box | Folder | Correspondence (Bob Nelkin) Regarding MH/MR Program 1978 | 1 | 17 |
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| box | folder | Letter from Bob Nelkin to Ellen Siciliano April 11, 1978 | 1 | 17 | Online
A letter from Bob Nelkin to Ellen Siciliano regarding a new center for individuals
with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Monongahela Valley area.
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| box | folder | Letter from Bob Nelkin to Representative Richard J. Cessar March 29, 1978 | 1 | 17 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Correspondence 1982-1983 | 1 | 18 |
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| box | folder | Letter from Teddi Leiden to Dottie Rowe on Department of Public Welfare
Hiring Practices May 25, 1983 | 1 | 18 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | PA Licensed Private Facilities List 1971 | 1 | 19 |
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| box | Folder | Reports: An Analysis of Pennsylvania's Program for the Mentally Retarded 1973 | 1 | 20 |
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| box | Folder | ACC-PARC Community and Chapter Affairs Program Summary 1974 | 1 | 21 |
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| box | folder | Program Summary Community and Chapter Affairs Division November 1974 | 1 | 21 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | ACC-PARC Action Plan for Community Services 1976 | 1 | 22 |
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| box | folder | PARC Action Plan for Community Services October 1976 | 1 | 22 | Online
A copy of the PARC Action Plan designed to create and ensure superior community
residential services for individuals with intellectual and developmental
disabilities.
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| box | folder | Advocacy Reports and Notes 1977-1978 | 1 | 23 |
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| box | folder | ACC-PARC Advocacy Report March 21, 1978 | 1 | 23 | Online
A report detailing recent actions and advocacy initiatives undertaken by
ACC-PARC.
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| box | folder | Proclamation of Retarded Children's Week Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Governor's Proclamation November 14,
1965 | 1 | 23 | Online
A copy of the official proclamation from Governor Scranton's office announcing
Retarded Children's Week.
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| box | folder | Monitoring of Community Living Arrangements in Allegheny County May 22, 1978 | 1 | 23 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Advocacy Slide Presentation c. 1970-1975 | 1 | 24 |
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| box | Folder | Advocacy Program Description Undated | 1 | 25 |
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| box | Folder | PL 41-142: Education of All Handicapped Children Act Integration Imperative
Report c. 1977 | 1 | 26 |
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| box | Folder | ACC Mental Health, Mental Retardation Program Annual Plan Development 1978 | 1 | 27 |
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| box | folder | Letter from Joan Murdoch to Charles Peters March 23, 1978 | 1 | 27 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | DPW MR Budget Analysis 1981 | 1 | 28 |
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| box | Folder | DPW Governor Milton Shapp Address 1975 | 1 | 29 |
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| box | Folder | DPW: Frank Beal Written Address: Challenge
1975 | 1 | 30 |
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| box | folder | Excerpt from 1975 Department of Public Welfare Publication
Challenge
November-December 1975 | 1 | 30 | Excerpt from 1975 Department of Public Welfare Publication <emph>Challenge</emph>
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.
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| box | folder | Excerpt from 1976 Department of Public Welfare Publication
Challenge
November-December 1976 | 1 | 30 | Excerpt from 1976 Department of Public Welfare Publication <emph>Challenge</emph>
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.
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| box | folder | Excerpt from 1977 Department of Public Welfare Publication
Challenge
November-December 1977 | 1 | 30 | Excerpt from 1977 Department of Public Welfare Publication <emph>Challenge</emph>
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.
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| box | folder | Excerpts from 1978 Department of Public Welfare Publication
Challenge
January-February 1978 | 1 | 30 | Excerpts from 1978 Department of Public Welfare Publication <emph>Challenge</emph>
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.
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| box | Folder | DPW: Frank Beal Remarks to PARC May 1976 1976 | 1 | 31 |
|
| box | folder | 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 | 1 | 31 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | DPW: Frank Beal Remarks to PARC November 1976 1976 | 1 | 32 |
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| box | folder | ACC-PARC News Request for Coverage November 9,
1976 | 1 | 32 | Online
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.
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| box | folder | ACC-PARC News Release, 1976 Beal Visit November 4,
1976 | 1 | 32 | Online
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.
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| box | folder | ACC-PARC Request for Coverage, Dr. Frank Menolascino November 2,
1976 | 1 | 32 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | DPW: Frank S. Beal Testimony 1977 | 1 | 33 |
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| box | Folder | Ginny Thornburgh Speech and News Clipping Regarding Advocacy 1979 | 1 | 34 |
|
| box | Folder | Governor Thornburgh Address on Human Services 1978 | 1 | 35 |
|
| box | folder | "Growth, Opportunity; Security: Commitment to Pennsylvania Human Services"
Pamphlet May 10, 1978 | 1 | 35 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | DPW: Helen O'Bannon Speech to ACC-PARC Regarding Advocacy 1979 | 1 | 36 |
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| box | Folder | Tom Forester Speech Annual Meeting of United Cerebral Palsy Association 1985 | 1 | 37 |
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| box | Folder | Installation of Officers Program 1956 | 1 | 38 |
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| box | Folder | Events and Presentations Flyers 1972 | 1 | 39 |
|
| box | folder | "All You Ever Wanted to Know About Residential Services for the Mentally
Retarded but Were Afraid to Ask" Flyer December 12,
1972 | 1 | 39 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | The Family Trust Logo Undated | 1 | 40 |
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| box | Folder | ACC-PARC Newsletters 1953 | 1 | 41 |
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| box | Folder | ACC-PARC Newsletters 1956 | 1 | 42 |
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| box | Folder | ACC-PARC Newsletters 1957 | 1 | 43 |
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| box | Folder | ACC-PARC Newsletters 1958 | 1 | 44 |
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| box | Folder | PARC Newsletter 1978 | 1 | 45 |
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| box | Folder | News Clippings c. 1950-1960 | 1 | 46 |
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| box | Folder | News Clippings 1958 | 1 | 47 |
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| box | Folder | Children Limited Newspapers 1963-1965 | 1 | 48 |
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| box | Folder | Miscellaneous News Clippings Summer 1967-January 1984 1967-1984 | 1 | 49 |
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| box | Folder | News Clippings 1976-1977 | 1 | 50 |
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| box | Folder | PA Mental Retardation Program Summary of Achievements 1978 | 1 | 74 |
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| box | Folder | News Clippings Regarding Opportunity Centers/PARC-Way 1984-1985 | 1 | 75 |
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| box | Folder | Newsletters: Allegheny Accents 1974-1976 | 1 | 76 |
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| box | Folder | ACC-PARC Allegheny Accents Newsletter c. 1975 | 1 | 76 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | ACC-PARC Allegheny Accents Newsletter (2) April 1976 | 1 | 76 | ACC-PARC <emph>Allegheny Accents</emph> Newsletter (2)
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.
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| box | Folder | ACC-PARC Allegheny Accents Newsletter (3) July 1976 | 1 | 76 | ACC-PARC <emph>Allegheny Accents</emph> Newsletter (3)
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.
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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.
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| box | folder | Alternatives to Institutions Campaign Records I 1976 | 1 | 51 |
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| box | Folder | Alternatives to Institutions Campaign Records II 1976 | 1 | 52 |
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| box | folder | Letter About Public Meeting with Frank S. Beal June 7, 1976 | 1 | 52 | Online
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.
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| box | folder | "Pretty Words? Or a Real Commitment?" ACC-PARC Handout June 1976 | 1 | 52 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Alternatives to Institutions Campaign Records 1978 | 1 | 53 |
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| box | Folder | Community Living Arrangements Program Records 1974-1976 | 1 | 54 |
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| box | folder | Parents and Guardians of Residents at Western State School and Hospital
Position Statement August 11,
1974 | 1 | 54 | Online
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.
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| box | folder | Budget Data for Community Living Arrangements Program, 1974-1977 c.
1975-1976 | 1 | 54 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Community Living Arrangements Correspondence 1974-1979 | 1 | 55 |
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| box | Folder | Community Living Arrangements Residential Services Position Paper 1980 | 1 | 56 |
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| box | Folder | Community Living Arrangements Residents List 1982 | 1 | 57 |
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| box | Folder | Group Homes City Planning Commission Minutes 1977 | 1 | 58 |
|
| box | folder | City Planning Commission Meeting Minutes October 11,
1977 | 1 | 58 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | News Clippings Regarding Group Homes 1975 | 1 | 59 |
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| box | Folder | Senate Bill #94 - Zoning for Group Homes Files I 1977 | 1 | 60 |
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| box | Folder | Senate Bill #94 - Zoning for Group Homes Files II 1977 | 1 | 61 |
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| box | folder | Community Living Facilities Task Force Minutes January 12,
1978 | 1 | 61 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Senate Bill #94 - Zoning for Group Homes Files I 1978 | 1 | 62 |
|
| box | folder | Letter from Robert Hoffman to Thomas Halloran on legal concerns related
to Senate Bill 94 February 3,
1978 | 1 | 62 | Online
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.
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| box | folder | Information Compiled on Senate Bill 94 c.
1977-1978 | 1 | 62 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Senate Bill #94 - Zoning for Group Homes Files II 1978 | 1 | 63 |
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| box | folder |
Legislative Action
March 31,
1978 | 1 | 63 | <emph>Legislative Action</emph>
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.
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| box | folder | House Roll Call on Senate Bill 94 March 14,
1978 | 1 | 63 | Online
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.
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| box | folder | Community Living Facilities Task Force Minutes (2) July 14, 1978 | 1 | 63 | Online
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.
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| box | folder | Summary in Support of Senate Bill 94 c. 1978 | 1 | 63 | Online
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.
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| box | folder | Proposed Amendment to Section 1 of Senate Bill 94 c. 1978 | 1 | 63 | Online
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.
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| box | folder | Proposed Amendment to Section 4 of Senate Bill 94 c. 1978 | 1 | 63 | Online
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.
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| box | folder | Senate Bill 94, Group Homes, Zoning March 14,
1978 | 1 | 63 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Pennsylvania Legislature: Zoning 1978 | 1 | 64 |
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Return to Table of Contents »
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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.
|
| box | Folder | State Schools and Hospital Interim Care Committee Records I 1972-1974 | 1 | 65 |
|
| box | folder | Draft Agreements Between ACC-PARC and Department of Public Welfare Letter
from Charles Peters November 13,
1972 | 1 | 65 | Online
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.
|
| box | folder | Information Gathered for Virginia Thornburgh Interview on
Closeup Program October 24,
1972 | 1 | 65 | Information Gathered for Virginia Thornburgh Interview on <emph>Closeup</emph> Program
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.
|
| box | folder | Questions for Ginny Thornburgh Interview c. 1972 | 1 | 65 | Online
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.
|
| box | folder | Parents Training Seminar Flyer February 1973 | 1 | 65 | Online
A flyer advertising ACC-PARC's Parent Training Seminar aimed to inform parents what
life entails inside state institutions for their children.
|
| box | folder | Right to Education in State Institutions Memo from Bob Nelkin December 13,
1973 | 1 | 65 | Online
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.
|
| box | folder | Children's Rehabilitation Center Unannounced Visit Notes November 29,
1972 | 1 | 65 | Online
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.
|
| box | folder | ACC-PARC Residential Services Committee Listing of Objectives Draft November 28,
1972 | 1 | 65 | Online
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.
|
| box | folder | Report Concerning A Call About Children's Rehabilitation Center, Butler, PA December 29,
1972 | 1 | 65 | Online
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.
|
| box | folder | January 1973 Visit to Children's Rehabilitation Center Notes January 1, 1973 | 1 | 65 | Online
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.
|
| box | folder | December 1972 Visit to Children's Rehabilitation Center December 29,
1972 | 1 | 65 | Online
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.
|
| box | folder | Letter from Ralph Meador to Charles Peters December 21,
1972 | 1 | 65 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Mr. W. to Dr. James R. McClelland September 28, 1972 | 1 | 65 | Online |
| box | Folder | Reforming the State Schools and Interim Care Committee Statement November 28, 1972 | 1 | 65 | Online |
| box | Folder | State School and Hospital and State-Subsidized Interim Care Facilities Memo December 1, 1972 | 1 | 65 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | ACC-PARC News Release November 30, 1972 | 1 | 65 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | ACC-PARC President Dr. Norman Mulgrave Memo October 25, 1972 | 1 | 65 | Online
A memo sent by ACC-PARC President Dr. Norman Mulgrave regarding the possibility of
a Civil Rights suit between ACC-PARC and the state.
|
| box | Folder | Letter to Kenneth Winograd on Residential Care Facilities August 24, 1972 | 1 | 65 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Department of Public Welfare News Release Memo September 17, 1972 | 1 | 65 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Charles Peters on Investigating Private Institutions July 25, 1972 | 1 | 65 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Charles Peters Residential Care Memo July 11, 1972 | 1 | 65 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Virginia Thornburgh to Joseph Diannabell Regarding White Deer
Interim Care Facility Visit July 24, 1972 | 1 | 65 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | State Schools and Hospital and Interim Care Committee Records II 1972-1974 | 1 | 66 |
|
| box | Folder | Memo on Use of Somerset State Hospital March 13, 1973 | 1 | 66 | Online
A memo from Bob Nelkin to other ACC-PARC officers regarding the decision to not
place individuals with mental illnesses at Somerset State Hospital.
|
| box | Folder | ACC-PARC Residential Care Committee Visit to Idlewood Group Home Notes November 4, 1973 | 1 | 65 | Online
Transcribed notes made by a member of the ACC-PARC Residential Care Committee
during a 1973 Visit to Idlewood Group Home.
|
| box | Folder | Nation's MR Institutions Studied Data c. 1973 | 1 | 65 | Online
A copy of a study that ranked the residential care in state institutions across the
nation for the fiscal year of 1971.
|
| box | Folder | ACC-PARC Residential Care Committee Meeting Minutes October 14, 1973 | 1 | 65 | Online
Meeting minutes for the ACC-PARC's Residential Care Committee. In this meeting the
committee discussed the proposed 9200 regulations for residential service
facilities.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Charles Peters to Ford Thompson Regarding Polk and Western
State School and Hospitals June 18, 1973 | 1 | 65 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from J. Shane Creamer to Charles Peters May 2, 1972 | 1 | 65 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Charles Peters to J. Shane Creamer, Attorney General of
Pennsylvania April 28, 1972 | 1 | 65 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Charles Peters to Thomas Lamb May 17, 1972 | 1 | 65 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Thomas Lamb to Charles Peters May 11, 1972 | 1 | 65 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from ACC-PARC to KDKA Draft c. 1973 | 1 | 65 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Parent Training Workshop Ideas February 24, 1973 | 1 | 65 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Dr. Burrow Appointment News Release March 19, 1973 | 1 | 65 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Schedule of Patient Distribution and Costs by Facility as of June 30, 1971
Memo March 9, 1973 | 1 | 65 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Draft of Letter to Helene Wohlgemuth Regarding Unannounced Visits November 19, 1972 | 1 | 65 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | ACC-PARC News Release (2) November 14, 1972 | 1 | 65 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | SSH Investigation Team Minutes 1972 | 1 | 67 |
|
| box | Folder | SSH Investigation Team Correspondence 1972-1975 | 1 | 68 |
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Charles Peters to Edward Goldman October 30, 1972 | 1 | 68 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Helene Wohlgemuth to Virginia Thornburgh February 15, 1973 | 1 | 68 | Online
A letter from Secretary Wohlgemuth to Virginia Thornburgh of ACC-PARC regarding the
Department of Public Welfare's task force on interim care.
|
| box | Folder | Meeting with William and Wallace Flood Memo February 14, 1972 | 1 | 68 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Telegram to Governor Milton Shapp and Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth October 20, 1972 | 1 | 68 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | TPU Staffing Patient Reports 1976 | 1 | 69 |
|
| box | Folder | Easter Seal Society Case File Records 1978 | 1 | 70 |
|
| box | Folder | Jamel D. Case File Records 1976 | 1 | 71 |
|
| box | Folder | Jimmy A. Case File Records 1975 | 1 | 72 |
|
| box | Folder | Case Files and Notes 1976 | 1 | 73 |
|
| box | folder | Bob Nelkin Memo February 21,
1973 | 1 | 73 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | PA Association for Retarded Children s. PA Civil Action Suit 1972 | 1 | 77 |
|
| box | folder | Amended Consent Agreement, Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children
v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania February 14,
1972 | 1 | 77 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Research Files 1954-1979 | 2 | 1 |
|
| box | Folder | Resident Population 1970-1977 | 2 | 2 |
|
| box | Folder | Dispersal Records 1977-1982 | 2 | 3 |
|
| box | Folder | Case Decision Summary and Compliance Reports c. 1977-1979 | 2 | 4 |
|
| box | Folder | Charles K. Case File 1976-1982 | 2 | 5 |
|
| box | Folder | Pennhurst vs. Halderman Appeals Court: AFL-CIO Brief 1978 | 2 | 6 |
|
| box | Folder | Reports: Accidents 1978-1979 | 2 | 7 |
|
| box | Folder | Report to Court: The Individuals Who Moved from Pennhurst, March 17, 1978 -
November 30, 1980 I 1981 | 2 | 8 |
|
| box | folder | Report to the Court: The Individuals Who Moved from Pennhurst February 1981 | 2 | 8 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Report to Court: The Individuals Who Moved from Pennhurst, March 17, 1978 -
November 30, 1980 II 1981 | 2 | 9 |
|
| box | Folder | Report to Court: The Individuals Who Moved from Pennhurst, March 17, 1978 -
November 30, 1980 III 1981 | 2 | 10 |
|
| box | folder | Letter from Jennifer Howse to Carla Morgan October 16,
1980 | 2 | 10 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Report to Court: The Individuals Who Moved from Pennhurst, March 17, 1978 -
August 31, 1980 1980 | 2 | 11 |
|
| box | Folder | Report: Office of Mental Retardation 1979 | 2 | 12 |
|
| box | Folder | Correspondence Regarding Dispersal and Governor Thornburgh 1979 | 2 | 13 |
|
| box | folder | Letter from Teddi Leiden to Richard Thornburgh May 11, 1979 | 2 | 13 | Online
A letter from Teddi Leiden to Richard Thornburgh asking that the governor
reconsider his decision to appeal the Halderman v. Pennhurst case.
|
| box | folder | Letter from Steuart Brown to Governor Thornburgh Regarding Halderman v.
Pennhurst May 15, 1979 | 2 | 13 | Online
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.
|
| box | folder | Telegram from Elton Atwater to Governor Richard Thornburgh July 16, 1979 | 2 | 13 | Online
A telegram from Elton Atwater, president of PARC, to Governor Richard Thornburgh
expressing dismay at the decision to appeal the Halderman case.
|
| box | Folder | Correspondence and Reports Regarding Court Orders 1979-1984 | 2 | 14 |
|
| box | Folder | "DPW Sues Pennsylvania Legal Services Center" News Release July 9, 1981 | 2 | 14 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Helen O'Bannon to Elton Atwater May 26, 1981 | 2 | 14 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Karen Snider Memo Regarding Pennhurst Dispersal March 20, 1979 | 2 | 14 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Summary of the Events of the Last Twelve Months in the Pennhurst Case June 8, 1981 | 2 | 14 | Online
A news release from the Office of the Special Master summarizing the developments
in the Pennhurst lawsuit case.
|
| box | Folder | Bob Nelkin Correspondence Dick Thornburgh Regarding Pennhurst 1979 | 2 | 15 |
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Bob Nelkin to Governor Richard Thornburgh July 27, 1979 | 2 | 15 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Halderman v. Pennhurst Appendices c. 1979 | 2 | 15 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Bob Nelkin Correspondence Regarding Pennhurst Court Orders/Thornburgh 1980 | 2 | 16 |
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Helen O'Bannon to Richard Thornburgh on Pennhurst Mandate January 29, 1980 | 2 | 16 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Bob Nelkin to Richard Thornburgh on Pennhurst Mandate October 27, 1979 | 2 | 16 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | DPW: Pennhurst Correspondence 1979-1980 | 2 | 17 |
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Thomas Gilhool to Attorney General Edward Biester May 4, 1979 | 2 | 17 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | List of Court Orders Not Complied with by Department of Public Welfare
and Plans Not Implemented c. 1980 | 2 | 17 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Carla Morgan to Jennifer Howse of the Department of Public
Welfare August 8, 1980 | 2 | 17 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | ABC Nightly News Transcript December 7, 1980 | 2 | 17 | Online
A transcript for ABC Nightly News with Helen O'Bannon speaking out against
Pennhurst dispersal court order and community placement.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Helen O'Bannon to Judge Raymond Broderick March 14, 1980 | 2 | 17 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | "Action on Boarding Homes" Article December 19, 1979 | 2 | 17 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Action Memorandum from Bob Nelkin May 22, 1979 | 2 | 17 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Pennhurst vs. Halderman Court Appeals Records 1979 | 2 | 18 |
|
| box | Folder | Pennhurst vs. Halderman Appeal Petition 1979 | 2 | 19 |
|
| box | Folder | Pennhurst State School and Hospital vs. Halderman, USA Briefs 1979-1980 | 2 | 20 |
|
| box | Folder | Pennhurst vs. Halderman Special Master's Report Non-Compliance with Court
Orders 1980 | 2 | 21 |
|
| box | Folder | Pennhurst vs. Halderman Court Appeal Records 1980 | 2 | 22 |
|
| box | Folder | Pennhurst vs. Halderman Court Order and Memos 1980 | 2 | 23 |
|
| box | Folder | Placement Implementation Records 1980 | 2 | 24 |
|
| box | folder | Terri Lee Halderman v. Pennhurst State School Court Order May 1980 | 2 | 24 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Implementation Order Request Notes 1980 | 2 | 25 |
|
| box | Folder | Report of Visit 1980 | 2 | 26 |
|
| box | folder | Report of Visit Pennhurst Center June 28, 1980 | 2 | 26 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Trial Testimony vs. Investigation Reports 1977-1980 | 2 | 27 |
|
| box | folder | 1977 Trial Testimony and 1980 Pennhurst Death Investigation Comparison c. 1980 | 2 | 27 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Pennhurst vs. Halderman U.S. Supreme Court Briefs 1980 | 2 | 28 |
|
| box | Folder | Pennhurst vs. Halderman Appeals Court Records: Motion for Leave 1980 | 2 | 29 |
|
| box | Folder | Pennhurst Study Brief Reports Temple University Developmental Disabilities
Center 1980-1981 | 2 | 30 |
|
| box | folder | 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 | 2 | 30 | Pennhurst Study Brief Report #10: <emph>Survey of Families of Clients Deinstitutionalized from the Date of the Court Order to April 30, 1980</emph>
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.
|
| box | folder | Pennhurst Study Brief Report #13: Progress of Clients in Community
Living Arrangements: Class Members Compared to Others
September 19,
1981 | 2 | 30 | Pennhurst Study Brief Report #13: <emph>Progress of Clients in Community Living Arrangements: Class Members Compared to Others</emph>
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.
|
| box | Folder | Pennhurst vs. Halderman Court Memo Records 1981 | 2 | 31 |
|
| box | Folder | Halderman vs. Pennhurst State School and Hospital Plaintiff's Findings 1981 | 2 | 32 |
|
| box | folder | Plaintiff's Proposed Findings Regarding Contempt for Failure to Pay Costs
of Masters, Halderman v. Pennhurst July 29, 1981 | 2 | 32 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Pennhurst vs. Halderman Correspondence/Court Memo Regarding Community
Living Arrangement Placements 1981-1982 | 2 | 33 |
|
| box | Folder | Pennhurst vs. Halderman Court Records 1981-1984 | 2 | 34 |
|
| box | folder | 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 | 2 | 34 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | DPW: Pennhurst Press Release 1982 | 2 | 35 |
|
| box | folder | Agreement Struck in Pennhurst Care-State to Monitor Placements February 9, 1982 | 2 | 35 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Individual Habitation Plan Process Draft 1982 | 2 | 36 |
|
| box | Folder | DPW: Pennhurst Monitoring Report 1982 | 2 | 37 |
|
| box | Folder | Dispersal Update: Residents 1982 | 2 | 38 |
|
| box | folder | Progress in Pennhurst Dispersal July 31, 1982 | 2 | 38 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Halderman vs. Pennhurst State School and Hospital Court Transcript 1982 | 2 | 39 |
|
| box | Folder | Pennhurst State School and Hospital vs. Halderman, USA News Clippings 1978-1983 | 2 | 40 |
|
| box | Folder | News Clippings, November 1979 1979 | 2 | 41 |
|
| box | Folder | News Clippings, December 1979 1979 | 2 | 42 |
|
| box | Folder | News Clippings, January 1980 1980 | 2 | 43 |
|
| box | Folder | News Clippings, March 1980 1980 | 2 | 44 |
|
| box | Folder | News Clippings, May 1980 1980 | 2 | 45 |
|
| box | Folder | DPW: Pennhurst News Clippings, July 1980 1980 | 2 | 46 |
|
| box | Folder | "Pennhurst Care Hit in Report" Article July 16, 1980 | 2 | 46 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | "Pennhurst Problems" Article July 23, 1980 | 2 | 46 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | News Clippings, August 1980 1980 | 2 | 47 |
|
| box | folder | "Two Doctors Say Pennhurst Uses Drugging as Program Substitute" Article August 1980 | 2 | 47 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | DPW: Pennhurst News Clippings 1981 | 2 | 48 |
|
| box | Folder | "O'Bannon Defends Pennhurst" Article August 1980 | 2 | 48 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | "Senate Cuts Special Master Funds" Article June 2, 1981 | 2 | 48 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | "Pa. Aide Stirs Ire of Judge" Article 1981-07-25 | 2 | 48 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Record of Incidents 1979 | 2 | 49 |
|
| box | Folder | Conversation Notes Undated | 2 | 50 |
|
| box | Folder | Newspaper Headlines 1981 | 2 | 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.
|
| box | Folder | Organizational Chart c. 1970-1980 | 3 | 1 |
|
| box | Folder | Policies: Grievance Procedures 1973 | 3 | 2 |
|
| box | Folder | Board of Trustees Resolutions 1975 | 3 | 3 |
|
| box | Folder | Daryl S. Case File Records 1972-1973 | 3 | 4 |
|
| box | Folder | Joey G. Case File Records 1973 | 3 | 5 |
|
| box | Folder | Joyce Z. Case Records 1974-1978 | 3 | 6 |
|
| box | folder | Joyce Z. Case Petition for Civil Court Commitment Under Section 406 of
The Mental Health and Mental Retardation Act of 1966 October 9,
1974 | 3 | 6 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Katrina C. Case File Records 1975 | 3 | 7 |
|
| box | Folder | Mark L. Case File 1973-1974 | 3 | 8 |
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Eugene and Carolyn L. to Robert Hiltner December 23, 1973 | 3 | 8 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Daniel T. to Eugene and Carolyn L. January 4, 1974 | 3 | 8 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Mark S. Case Files 1975 | 3 | 9 |
|
| box | Folder | Marty H. Case File Records 1973 | 3 | 10 |
|
| box | folder | Letter from Bob Nelkin to Ralph H. May 14, 1973 | 3 | 10 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Paul G. Case File Records 1974-1975 | 3 | 11 |
|
| box | Folder | Letter from John Heinz III to Ginny Thornburgh Regarding Western State
School and Hospital Admissions March 27, 1975 | 3 | 11 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Robert Hiltner to John Heinz III March 24, 1975 | 3 | 11 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Margie B. to John Heinz III March 4, 1975 | 3 | 11 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Report for Paul G. Inquiry March 20, 1975 | 3 | 11 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from John Heinz III to Robert Hiltner March 6, 1975 | 3 | 11 | Online
A letter from Representative John Heinz III to Robert Hiltner regarding the
admission of Paul G. and others to Western State School and Hospital.
|
| box | Folder | Paul J. Case File Records Regarding Death 1974 | 3 | 12 |
|
| box | Folder | Death of a Resident - Paul Waymont Jenkins Report November 18, 1974 | 3 | 12 | Online
A report following the death of Western State School and Hospital resident, Paul
Jenkins.
|
| box | Folder | Release of Investigation into the Death of Paul Jenkins November 15, 1974 | 3 | 12 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Tony H. Case File Records 1975 | 3 | 13 |
|
| box | Folder | Mayview/WSSH: Garfield J. Case File Court Records 1974 | 3 | 14 |
|
| box | Folder | Case Files and Notes 1972-1976 | 3 | 15 |
|
| box | Folder | Notes on Deaths at Western State School and Hospital Between December
1974 and January 1975 c. February 1975 | 3 | 15 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Western State School and Hospital Joint Visitation Committee Notes September 19, 1974 | 3 | 15 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Elizabeth Carello to Bob Nelkin July 11, 1973 | 3 | 15 | Online
A letter from Elizabeth Carello to Bob Nelkin regarding her sister Mary. Carello
objects to the consideration of her sister for transitional living.
|
| box | Folder | Case File Records and Notes 1941-1976 | 3 | 16 |
|
| box | Folder | Reports Compiled for Justice Department (Draft) 1974-1975 | 3 | 17 |
|
| box | folder | Memo from Bob Nelkin Regarding Justice Department Investigation February 27,
1975 | 3 | 17 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Reports Compiled for Justice Department 1972-1975 | 3 | 18 |
|
| box | Folder | Runaways at Western State Memo February 27, 1975 | 3 | 18 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Robert Hiltner to Bob Nelkin Regarding Food at Western State
School and Hospital January 30, 1975 | 3 | 18 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Report on Architect's Advisory Committee Meeting January 22, 1975 | 3 | 18 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Western State School and Hospital Parents' Group Questions January 13, 1975 | 3 | 18 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Memo and Questions from Western State's Joint Visitation Team Visit November 13, 1974 | 3 | 18 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Harry Goldberg to Robert Hiltner Regarding Death Records at
Western State School and Hospital January 13, 1975 | 3 | 18 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Bob Nelkin to Robert Hiltner on Dietary Practices at Western
State School and Hospital January 6, 1975 | 3 | 18 | Online
A letter from Bob Nelkin to Superintendent Robert Hiltner questioning the dietary
practices at Western State School and Hospital.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Jean Isherwood to Reverend Joseph Rogers December 31, 1974 | 3 | 18 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Bob Nelkin to Robert Hiltner on "An Hour Off" December 30, 1974 | 3 | 18 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Western State School and Hospital Liaison Committee Meeting Minutes December 19, 1974 | 3 | 18 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Ruth Scott to Gary Makuch December 19, 1974 | 3 | 18 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Memo to Ruth Scott on Food at Western State's Pine Lodge December 18, 1974 | 3 | 18 | Online
An internal memo from Joseph McKenna to Ruth Scott on insufficient food at Pine
Lodge II at Western State School and Hospital.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Roger E. Buchanan and Marlene Burda to Donald M. Carroll Jr. December 16, 1974 | 3 | 18 | Online
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."
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Roger E. Buchanan to Daniel A. Rohrbach Regarding Education
at Hamburg State School and Hospital December 16, 1974 | 3 | 18 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Charles Peters to Harry Goldberg December 5, 1974 | 3 | 18 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Harry and Alice Goldberg to Charles Peters December 4, 1974 | 3 | 18 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Notes on Joint Visitation Team Visit November 13, 1974 | 3 | 18 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Bob Nelkin to Marjorie Matson, Tom Kerr, and Tony Wettick November 13, 1974 | 3 | 18 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Memo from Charles Peters to Norman J. Taylor Regarding Staffing Issues at
Western State School and Hospital October 8, 1974 | 3 | 18 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Judge Maurice Cohill to Virginia Thornburgh October 3, 1974 | 3 | 18 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Virginia Thornburgh to Judge Maurice Cohill September 30, 1974 | 3 | 18 | Online
A letter from Virginia Thornburgh to Judge Maurice Cohill asking to appear as a
witness in the Joyce Z. case.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Marlene Burda to Norman J. Taylor October 3, 1974 | 3 | 18 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Harry Goldberg to Norman Taylor September 27, 1974 | 3 | 18 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Memo from Robert J. Hiltner to Charles Peters September 24, 1974 | 3 | 18 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Virginia Thornburgh to Judge Maurice Cohill (2) September 19, 1974 | 3 | 18 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Closing of Admissions at Western State School and Hospital ACC-PARC Memo September 17, 1974 | 3 | 18 | Online
A memo to the ACC-PARC board of directors regarding the decision to advocate for
closing admissions to Western State School and Hospital.
|
| box | Folder | Closing of Admissions at Western State School and Hospital ACC-PARC
Residential Committee Informational Sheet c. September 1974 | 3 | 18 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Response from Superintendent Robert J. Hiltner to Western State School's
Joint Visitation Committee June 5, 1974 | 3 | 18 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Threatened Work Stoppage at Western State School and Hospital Memo July 20, 1973 | 3 | 18 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | State Schools and Hospitals and Interim Care Committee Meeting Minutes November 28, 1972 | 3 | 18 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Report on Western State School and Hospital July 5, 1972 | 3 | 18 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Reports: Visitation Team 1972-1974 | 3 | 19 |
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Ruth Scott to Harry Goldberg May 21, 1975 | 3 | 19 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Unannounced Visitation Memo February 5, 1973 | 3 | 19 | Online
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.
|
| box | folder | Joint Visitation Team Western State School and Hospital Questions Letter July 2-5, 1974 | 3 | 19 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Western State School and Hospital Visitation Team Report March 1, 1973 | 3 | 19 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Survey and Reports: Institutional Departments 1973 | 3 | 20 |
|
| box | Folder | Reports: Security Guards 1973-1974 | 3 | 21 |
|
| box | Folder | Grievance Accident Report 1973 | 3 | 22 |
|
| box | folder | Edward B. Western State School and Hospital Grievance Information December 17-20, 1973 | 3 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Bed Capacity Report Metrics 1973 | 3 | 23 |
|
| box | Folder | Joint Visitation Task Force Visitation Notes, Drafts, and Reports 1973 | 3 | 24 |
|
| box | folder | Questions Following 1973 Visits to Western State School and Hospital May 12, 1973 - December 3, 1973 | 3 | 24 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Joint Visitation Team Report and Notes 1974 | 3 | 25 |
|
| box | folder | Joint Visitation Team Western State School and Hospital Visit Report July 2, 1974 | 3 | 25 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Report: View of Conditions 1974 | 3 | 26 |
|
| box | Folder | Physician Notes and Treatment Recommendations Regarding Quiet Rooms
(Isolation) 1974 | 3 | 27 |
|
| box | folder | Quiet Room Orders from Physicians December 14, 1974 - February 27, 1975 | 3 | 27 | Online
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."
|
| box | Folder | Joint Visitation Team Notes 1974-1975 | 3 | 28 |
|
| box | Folder | Visitation Notes c. 1974-1976 | 3 | 29 |
|
| box | Folder | Visitations and Survey Team Reports and Recommendations 1974-1975 | 3 | 30 |
|
| box | Folder | Report: Temporary Admissions 1974 | 3 | 31 |
|
| box | Folder | Report: Confidential Medical Task Force 1975 | 3 | 32 |
|
| box | folder | Task Force Report on the Medical Care at Western State School and
Hospital February 20,
1975 | 3 | 32 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Report: Medical Assistance Deficiencies 1975 | 3 | 33 |
|
| box | Folder | Report: Complement 1975 | 3 | 34 |
|
| box | Folder | Position Classification Requests and Medication Administration Instructions c. 1975 | 3 | 35 |
|
| box | Folder | Report: Otalogy Program 1975 | 3 | 36 |
|
| box | Folder | Reports: ACC-PARC 1976 | 3 | 37 |
|
| box | Folder | Internal Report: "Emotionally Disturbed Children's Service" Survey 1973 | 3 | 38 |
|
| box | Folder | Correspondence Regarding Site Visits (Joint Visitation Team) 1973-1975 | 3 | 39 |
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Virginia Thornburgh to Robert Hiltner March 23, 1973 | 3 | 39 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Robert Hiltner to Virginia Thornburgh April 9, 1973 | 3 | 39 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Bob Nelkin to Robert Hiltner on Treatment of Residents at
Dining Hall March 14, 1975 | 3 | 39 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Harry Goldberg to Dr. Ruth Scott May 23, 1975 | 3 | 39 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Anna Belle Calloway to Virginia Thornburgh May 18, 1975 | 3 | 39 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Virginia Thornburgh Letter Draft to Farrell Jackson May 8, 1975 | 3 | 39 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Ronald Archer to Charles Peters January 10, 1975 | 3 | 39 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Western State School and Hospital Injury Notifications Letter February 5, 1976 | 3 | 39 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Bob Nelkin to Robert Hiltner Regarding Tony M. January 10, 1975 | 3 | 39 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Correspondence Regarding Conditions and Deaths 1973-1975 | 3 | 40 |
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Joy Gafforini to Senator Frank Mazzei January 22, 1973 | 3 | 40 | Online
A letter from Jay Gafforini to Senator Frank Mazzei regarding the problems at
Spruce Lodge Total Care Unit at Western State School and Hospital.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from L. Steuart Brown to Sally Hollyfield September 23, 1974 | 3 | 40 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Virginia Thornburgh to Stanley Meyers December 30, 1974 | 3 | 40 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Bob Nelkin to Robert Hiltner on Resident Weight Loss December 31, 1974 | 3 | 40 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Farrell Jackson to Helene Wohlgemuth November 29, 1974 | 3 | 40 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Memo from Robert J. Hiltner to George Lowe August 21, 1974 | 3 | 40 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Robert Hiltner to Eugene and Carolyn L. February 8, 1974 | 3 | 40 | Online
A letter from Robert Hiltner responding to the December 23rd letter of Eugene and
Carolyn L. regarding their son, Mark, and his seizures.
|
| box | Folder | Correspondence Regarding Staff Strike 1974-1975 | 3 | 41 |
|
| box | Folder | Memo from Anna Belle Calloway to Virginia Thornburgh May 5, 1975 | 3 | 41 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Meeting Deputy Secretaries Calloway and Meyers at Western State School
and Hospital Minutes April 28, 1975 | 3 | 41 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Correspondence Regarding Requests for Conditions Reports and CPTS 1975 | 3 | 42 |
|
| box | folder | Statement by Western State School and Hospital Staff During Strike April 21,
1975 | 3 | 42 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Correspondence Regarding Political Pressure for Admissions 1975 | 3 | 43 |
|
| box | Folder | Bob Nelkin Correspondence Regarding WSSH 1975 | 3 | 44 |
|
| box | Folder | Correspondence 1976 | 3 | 45 |
|
| box | folder | Letter from Robert Matesic to Anna Belle Calloway January 7,
1976 | 3 | 45 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Meeting with Coroner Jackson: Minutes 1974 | 3 | 46 |
|
| box | Folder | Construction/Expansion Records 1973-1976 | 3 | 47 |
|
| box | Folder | Liaison Committee Meeting Minutes Regarding Dental Care 1974-1975 | 3 | 48 |
|
| box | Folder | Western State School and Hospital Liaison Committee Meeting Minutes (2) September 25, 1975 | 3 | 48 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Western State School and Hospital Liaison Committee Meeting Minutes (3) April 24, 1975 | 3 | 48 | Online
Minutes from the Western State School and Hospital Liaison Committee April 24,
1975, meeting following a disturbance at the school caused by a resident.
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| box | Folder | 406 Intervention Team Minutes 1975-1978 | 3 | 49 |
|
| box | Folder | Act 75A Implementation Records 1976 | 3 | 50 |
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| box | Folder | Right to Education Records I 1974-1975 | 3 | 51 |
|
| box | Folder | Right to Education Records II 1974-1975 | 3 | 52 |
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Frank S. Beal to Roger E. Buchanan April 23, 1975 | 3 | 52 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Harry Herman to Frank Beal April 17, 1975 | 3 | 52 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Robert Buchanan to Judge Alexander Barbieri April 21, 1975 | 3 | 52 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Roger Buchanan to F. John Hagele April 21, 1975 | 3 | 52 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Demountable Classrooms Planned for White Haven and Hamburg State Schools
and Hospitals Memo April 17, 1975 | 3 | 52 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Roger Buchanan to Frank S. Beal April 4, 1975 | 3 | 52 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Bob Nelkin to Joe McKenna March 21, 1975 | 3 | 52 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter to Joseph McKenna Regarding Kim V. January 14, 1975 | 3 | 52 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Virginia Thornburgh to Donald Carroll Regarding Education at
Western State School and Hospital October 8, 1974 | 3 | 52 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Immediate Needs for Intermediate Unit 1 at Western State School and
Hospital November 5, 1974 | 3 | 52 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Article: Death is "A Way of Life" I 1975 | 3 | 53 |
|
| box | Folder | Article: Death is "A Way of Life" II 1975 | 3 | 54 |
|
| box | folder |
Pittsburgh Magazine "Behind the Walls" Article October 1975 | 3 | 54 | <emph>Pittsburgh Magazine</emph> "Behind the Walls" Article
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.
|
| box | Folder | Volunteer Recognition Programs 1976 | 3 | 55 |
|
| box | Folder | News Clipping Advocacy Efforts (WSSH and Highland Park) 1967-1984 | 3 | 56 |
|
| box | Folder | News Clipping Advocacy Efforts (Highland Park and WSSH) 1972-1975 | 3 | 57 |
|
| box | Folder | News Clippings 1974-1976 | 3 | 58 |
|
| box | Folder | News Clippings, November 1974 - August 1978 1974-1978 | 3 | 59 |
|
| box | Folder | Bob Nelkin Award Regarding Advocacy for Residents of WSSH 1975-1978 | 3 | 60 |
|
| box | folder | "Fund Hike Sought: Retarded Facilities Hit" Article 1974-11-19 | 3 | 60 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Maltreatment and Deaths - Civil Suit Records 1974-1978 | 3 | 61 |
|
| box | Folder | Letter from ACLU Pittsburgh to Aldo Colautti Regarding Howard P. August 2, 1978 | 3 | 61 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | "Understanding Death at State Institutions" Letter November 15, 1974 | 3 | 61 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Deaths at State School Letter January 13, 1975 | 3 | 61 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | ACC-PARC News Release Regarding the Death of Paul Jenkins November 14, 1974 | 3 | 61 | Online
An ACC-PARC news release following the death of Paul Jenkins at Western State
School and Hospital.
|
| box | Folder | "Walking with Spirit of Christmas" Article December 23, 1977 | 3 | 61 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Vecchione Court Decision Records 1975 | 3 | 62 |
|
| box | Folder | Report: Confidential Medical Task Force 1975 | 3 | 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.
|
| box | Folder | Map of Grounds 1966 | 4 | 1 |
|
| box | Folder | Policy Documents 1973 | 4 | 2 |
|
| box | Folder | Review and Implementation of Policies at Polk State School Memo November 19, 1973 | 4 | 2 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Polk State School and Hospital General Statement of Policies and
Procedures November 19, 1973 | 4 | 2 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Polk State School and Hospital Admission Policies and Procedures October 19, 1973 | 4 | 2 | Online
The admissions policies and procedures for Polk State School and Hospital.
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| box | Folder | Polk State School and Hospital Policy on Abusive Treatment of Residents November 19, 1973 | 4 | 2 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Polk State School and Hospital Policies on Resident Communications November 19, 1973 | 4 | 2 | Online
Polk State School and Hospital's policies on resident communications, including
letter-writing and telephone communications.
|
| box | Folder | Self-Evaluation Reports - American Association of Mental Deficiency (AAMD)
Institutional Evaluation Projects 1966-1969 | 4 | 3 |
|
| box | Folder | Final Report: American Association on Mental Deficiency 1967 | 4 | 4 |
|
| box | Folder | Work Plan Program 1972 | 4 | 5 |
|
| box | Folder | Superintendent's Reports, July-August 1972 1972 | 4 | 6 |
|
| box | Folder | Superintendent's Reports, October-December 1972 1972 | 4 | 7 |
|
| box | Folder | Superintendent's Reports, January-February 1973 1973 | 4 | 8 |
|
| box | Folder | Meeting with Dr. McClelland 1973 | 4 | 9 |
|
| box | folder | ACC-PARC Meeting with Dr. James McClelland Minutes April 2, 1973 | 4 | 9 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Visitation Reports and Notes 1972-1976 | 4 | 10 |
|
| box | Folder | ACC-PARC Residential Care Committee Polk State School and Hospital Visit
Report October 11, 1973 | 4 | 10 | Online
A report detailing the October 11, 1973 visit to Polk State School and Hospital
by Virginia Thornburgh, Jean Isherwood, and Bob Nelkin.
|
| box | Folder | Polk State School and Hospital Visit Report January 17, 1975 | 4 | 10 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Polk State School and Hospital Visit Report (2) May 25, 1973 - August 23,
1976 | 4 | 10 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | ACC-PARC Residential Care Committee Polk State School and Hospital Visit
Report (2) March 7, 1974 | 4 | 10 | Online
ACC-PARC Residential Care Committee's report detailing the March 7, 1974 visit to
Polk State School and Hospital.
|
| box | Folder | Gardenside Building Concerns December 11, 1973 -
January 10, 1974 | 4 | 10 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Correspondence 1973 | 4 | 11 |
|
| box | Folder | Follow Up Letter from E. Gene Patterson to Robert Haigh May 11, 1973 | 4 | 11 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Wolf Wolfensberger to Mel Knowlton May 7, 1973 | 4 | 11 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Polk State School and Hospital Admission Policies and Procedures Letter October 17, 1973 -
November 2, 1973 | 4 | 11 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Polk State School Union Grievance Letter December 27, 1973 | 4 | 11 | Online
A letter denying the Polk State School and Hospital Child Care Aides' grievance
regarding unannounced parental visits and parents dressing and undressing their
children.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Joseph Colombatto to Richard Sell Regarding Polk State School
and Hospital Right to Education October 30, 1973 | 4 | 11 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Joseph Colombatto and John Bower to Parents of Polk State
School and Hospital Residents August 30, 1973 | 4 | 11 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Parent Allegations Against Polk State School and Hospital October 3, 1973 | 4 | 11 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | "Mass Bar-Bat Mitzvah for Retarded Slated" Article October 23, 1973 | 4 | 11 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Mrs. Weikers "Call of Hope" Volunteering Response June 1973 | 4 | 11 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Barbara Sistik to Governor Milton Shapp Requesting Visit to
Polk State School and Hospital March 7, 1973 | 4 | 11 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Arthur Bolton to Richard Loring Regarding the Polk Dispersal
Project February 16, 1971 | 4 | 11 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Right to Communication Correspondence 1973 | 4 | 12 |
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Norman Taylor to Dr. James McClelland Regarding Rights of
Residents to Outside Written and Telephone Communications February 9, 1973 | 4 | 12 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Mr. W. to Dr. James H. McClelland February 6, 1973 | 4 | 12 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Mike Levine to Norman Taylor c. 1973-1974 | 4 | 12 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Dr. James McClelland to Mr. W. January 8, 1973 | 4 | 12 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Mr. W. to Mike Levine January 24, 1973 | 4 | 12 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Mike Levine to Mr. W. October 26, 1972 | 4 | 12 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Mr. W. to Mike Levine (2) October 20, 1972 | 4 | 12 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Charles Peters to Norman Taylor November 15, 1972 | 4 | 12 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Mike Levine to Dr. Norman Mulgrave October 26, 1972 | 4 | 12 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | DPW: Helene Wohlgemuth Regarding Raymond H. Case File 1972 | 4 | 13 |
|
| box | folder | Death of Raymond Helman Report October 24, 1972 - December 7, 1972 | 4 | 13 | Online
A collection of memos, notes, and reports related to the death of Raymond Helman,
a resident of Polk State School and Hospital.
|
| box | Folder | DPW: Helene Wohlgemuth Correspondence to Dr. McClelland Regarding Firing 1973 | 4 | 14 |
|
| box | Folder | Dr. James McClelland Removal Letter April 16, 1973 | 4 | 14 | Online
A letter from Helene Wohlgemuth to Dr. James McClelland removing him from his
position as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
|
| box | Folder | Polk Superintendent Fired Summary April 1973 | 4 | 14 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Helene Wohlgemuth Memo to State Institution Superintendents May 9, 1973 | 4 | 14 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | DPW Press Releases 1973 | 4 | 15 |
|
| box | Folder | Department of Public Welfare News Release Regarding Polk State School and
Hospital May 9, 1973 | 4 | 15 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Program Review Starts at Eastern State School and Hospital and Four Other
Institutions News Release May 20, 1973 | 4 | 15 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Institution Review to Four More Facilities News Release July 10, 1973 | 4 | 15 | Online
The Department of Public Welfare's news release regarding the department's
expansion of institutional reviews to other state institutions
|
| box | Folder | Correspondence Regarding Cages at Polk 1973 | 4 | 16 |
|
| box | Folder | DPW: Helene Wohlgemuth Regarding Cages at Polk Center Correspondence I 1973 | 4 | 17 |
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Mrs. Bohanice to Helene Wohlgemuth May 8, 1973 | 4 | 17 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from H. Cassi to Helene Wohlgemuth May 6, 1973 | 4 | 17 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Paul and Velma E. to Helene Wohlgemuth April 18, 1973 | 4 | 17 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Father John Kirk to Eleanor Elkin April 16, 1973 | 4 | 17 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Report of Telephone Call Between Helene Wohlgemuth and Yolanda P. April 19, 1973 | 4 | 17 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Fred LaJohn to Helene Wohlgemuth April 18, 1973 | 4 | 17 | Online
A Letter from Fred LaJohn to Helene Wohlgemuth
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Roland Corbet to Milton Shapp April 18, 1973 | 4 | 17 | Online
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."
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Bertha Burns to Helene Wohlgemuth April 26, 1973 | 4 | 17 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Jeanne Rodgers to Helene Wohlgemuth April 1973 | 4 | 17 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Mrs. Besser to Helene Wohlgemuth May 1973 | 4 | 17 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Mrs. E. Wilkinson to Helene Wohlgemuth April 26, 1973 | 4 | 17 | Online
A letter from Mrs. E. Wilkinson thanking Secretary Wohlgemuth for the removal of
Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Frances Bees to Helene Wohlgemuth April 1973 | 4 | 17 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Judith L. S. to Helene Wohlgemuth April 24, 1973 | 4 | 17 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from the Franklin Junior Woman's Club to Milton Shapp April 26, 1973 | 4 | 17 | Online
A letter to Governor Milton Shapp from the Franklin Junior Woman's Club asking
for the reinstatement of Dr. James McClelland.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Eleanor Etter to Helene Wohlgemuth April 27, 1973 | 4 | 17 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from J. A. Robertson to Helene Wohlgemuth April 27, 1973 | 4 | 17 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Family Guidance Clinic of Mercer County to Milton Shapp April 23, 1973 | 4 | 17 | Online
A letter from the staff of the Family Guidance Clinic of Mercer County to
Governor Milton Shapp requesting the reinstatement of Dr. James McClelland.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Paul E. Fauth to Helene Wohlgemuth April 26, 1973 | 4 | 17 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Robert B. Dennis to Helene Wohlgemuth April 25, 1973 | 4 | 17 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from David Ferleger to Helene Wohlgemuth April 26, 1973 | 4 | 17 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Louis G. Mete to Helene Wohlgemuth April 26, 1973 | 4 | 17 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Ralph W. E. Fuller to Helene Wohlgemuth April 26, 1973 | 4 | 17 | Online
A letter from Ralph W. E. Fuller to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth supporting her
actions at Polk State School and Hospital.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Julienne Rothburg to Helene Wohlgemuth April 1973 | 4 | 17 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Bob Caughlin to Helene Wohlgemuth April 1973 | 4 | 17 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | DPW: Helene Wohlgemuth Regarding Cages at Polk Center Correspondence II 1973 | 4 | 18 |
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Lillian G. to Helene Wohlgemuth May 21, 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | "Polk Cage Removal" Letter to the Editor c. 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | "'Rehabilitation' at State Expense - Delinquents Get Casino Junkets"
Article April 27, 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Telegram from ACC-PARC to Helene Wohlgemuth April 27, 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
A telegram from ACC-PARC President Norman Mulgrave to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth
expressing their support of her actions regarding Polk State School and
Hospital.
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| box | Folder | Telegram from Gerald McGentee to Helene Wohlgemuth April 24, 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Telegram from Pauline Scandrol to Helene Wohlgemuth April 19, 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
A brief telegram from Pauline Scandrol to Helene Wohlgemuth demanding the
reinstatement of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and
Hospital.
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| box | Folder | Telegram from Charles B. to Helene Wohlgemuth April 19, 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Telegram from the Venango Chapter of the American Association of
University Women to Helene Wohlgemuth April 27, 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Telegram from John A. Wilson to Helene Wohlgemuth April 24, 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Pennsylvania Mental Health, Inc. to Governor Milton Shapp April 27, 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Robert Sanford to Governor Milton Shapp May 8, 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Dorothy J. Novello to Helene Wohlgemuth May 7, 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from William Garove to Governor Milton Shapp May 17, 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Anonymous Letter to Helene Wohlgemuth April 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Edward and Elizabeth M. c. 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
A letter from Edward and Elizabeth M., parents of a Polk State School and
Hospital resident, expressing their support for Dr. James McClelland.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Polk Resident to Helene Wohlgemuth May 20, 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Inez Jordan to Helene Wohlgemuth May 16, 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from George S. to Helene Wohlgemuth May 16, 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Dorsey De Raianes to Helene Wohlgemuth May 16, 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from John Warren to Helene Wohlgemuth May 23, 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
A handwritten letter from John Warren to Helene Wohlgemuth regarding the
dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and
Hospital.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Helen Caomine to Helene Wohlgemuth May 16, 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Ruth McClure to Helene Wohlgemuth May 28, 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Emmet Rosenberg to Helene Wohlgemuth May 4, 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Support Letter to Helene Wohlgemuth May 2, 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Mary Cook to Helene Wohlgemuth May 4, 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Mr. and Mrs. Beckert to Milton Shapp May 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from James Sechler to Helene Wohlgemuth May 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from J. G. McGill to Milton Shapp May 1, 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Mildred Beighley to Helene Wohlgemuth April 26, 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
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."
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| box | Folder | Copy of Erie Times-News Article April 22, 1973 | 4 | 18 | Copy of <emph>Erie Times-News</emph> Article
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Marion Taylor to Milton Shapp April 23, 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Howard Fisher to Milton Shapp April 24, 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Harold Hartley to Helene Wohlgemuth April 27, 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Joseph Burgert to Helene Wohlgemuth May 1, 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Ruth Andrews to Helene Wohlgemuth May 2, 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from John and Dorothy S. to Milton Shapp May 3, 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from William Lamberton to Helene Wohlgemuth May 4, 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Clara Hamilton to Helene Wohlgemuth May 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Mrs. Pearce to Helene Wohlgemuth April 23, 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Sarah Keen to Helene Wohlgemuth May 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
A letter from Sarah Keen to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth expressing gratitude for
Wohlgemuth's actions at Polk State School and Hospital.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Gail Frederick Supporting Helene Wohlgemuth April 25, 1973 | 4 | 18 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | DPW: Helene Wohlgemuth Regarding Cages at Polk Center Correspondence III 1973 | 4 | 19 |
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Horence Nimick to Helene Wohlgemuth April 24, 1973 | 4 | 19 | Online
A letter from Horence Nimick to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth supporting her
actions at Polk State School and Hospital.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Adele Fein to Helene Wohlgemuth April 25, 1973 | 4 | 19 | Online
A letter from Adele Fein to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth supporting her actions at
Polk State School and Hospital.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Barbara Clougherty to Helene Wohlgemuth April 1973 | 4 | 19 | Online
A letter from Barbara Clougherty to Secretary Wohlgemuth supporting her actions
at Polk State School and Hospital.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Leone Paradise to Helene Wohlgemuth April 24, 1973 | 4 | 19 | Online
A letter from Leone Paradise to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth supporting her
actions at Polk State School and Hospital.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Marian Bromeley to Helene Wohlgemuth April 21, 1973 | 4 | 19 | Online
A letter from Marian Bromeley to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth supporting her
actions at Polk State School and Hospital.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Bonnie Pribich to Helene Wohlgemuth April 25, 1973 | 4 | 19 | Online
A letter from Bonnie Pribich to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth supporting her
actions at Polk State School and Hospital.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Margaret Kunzman to Helene Wohlgemuth April 22, 1973 | 4 | 19 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Mrs. Thanos to Helene Wohlgemuth April 25, 1973 | 4 | 19 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Eugene and Marilyn Witherup to Milton Shapp April 23, 1973 | 4 | 19 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Adah M. Armstrong to Helene Wohlgemuth April 25, 1973 | 4 | 19 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Three Nurses to Helene Wohlgemuth April 19, 1973 | 4 | 19 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from George Moyer to Helene Wohlgemuth April 24, 1973 | 4 | 19 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Francis Rogan to Helene Wohlgemuth April 25, 1973 | 4 | 19 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Dr. James Clifford to Helene Wohlgemuth April 20, 1973 | 4 | 19 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from John Fidorek to Helene Wohlgemuth April 1973 | 4 | 19 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Ann Novosel to Helene Wohlgemuth April 24, 1973 | 4 | 19 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Anonymous Letter to Dr. James McClelland April 18, 1973 | 4 | 19 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Mrs. Campbell to Helene Wohlgemuth April 18, 1973 | 4 | 19 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | DPW: Helene Wohlgemuth Regarding Cages at Polk Center Correspondence IV 1973 | 4 | 20 |
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Marjorie Felder to Helene Wohlgemuth April 23, 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Beatrice McClelland to Milton Shapp April 24, 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Catherine Groetzinger to Helene Wohlgemuth April 24, 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from James Gemmell to Milton Shapp April 24, 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Helen Shawkey to Milton Shapp April 24, 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Robert Carone to Milton Shapp April 25, 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | "Welfare Chief Back on Polk" Article April 24, 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | "Association Backs McClelland: State Bans Use of Cages, Pens" Article April 25, 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Mrs. Wesley S. to Helene Wohlgemuth April 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Louise Sherman to Helene Wohlgemuth April 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Ann Wright to Milton Shapp April 23, 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
A letter from Ann Wright to Governor Milton Shapp protesting the "inhumane
treatment" of Dr. James McClelland at Polk State School and Hospital.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Violet K. to Helene Wohlgemuth April 23, 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Mrs. Eugene S. to Helene Wohlgemuth April 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Cottage "A" Residents April 19, 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Mary K. to Helene Wohlgemuth April 23, 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Thomas Snyder to Milton Shapp April 20, 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Clarence Baldwin to Helene Wohlgemuth April 23, 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Anonymous Letter to Patricia Clapp April 23, 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Joseph H. to Helene Wohlgemuth April 23, 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Thomas Snyder to the Department of Public Welfare April 20, 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Don Bashline to Helene Wohlgemuth April 19, 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Josephine McCracken to Milton Shapp April 23, 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Franklin Residents to Helene Wohlgemuth April 19, 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Copy of a Telegram from E. G. Pearce Jr. to Milton Shapp April 23, 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Robert Pilewski to Milton Shapp April 23, 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Mrs. Elliston to Milton Shapp April 18, 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Note from Barbara Fruchter to Helene Wohlgemuth April 18, 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Steve Martin to Helene Wohlgemuth April 18, 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Anonymous Letter to Helene Wohlgemuth (2) April 18, 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
An anonymous letter to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth thanking her for her actions
at Polk State School and Hospital.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from a Former Warren State Hospital Patient to Helene Wohlgemuth April 12, 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
A letter from a former Warren State Hospital patient to Secretary Helene
Wohlgemuth thanking her for her actions at Polk State School and Hospital.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from a Polk State School and Hospital Employee to Helene
Wohlgemuth April 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Earl Nielliger to Helene Wohlgemuth April 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Janet Seale to Helene Wohlgemuth April 19, 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Ann Johnson to Helene Wohlgemuth April 19, 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Catherine Ostrsycki to Helene Wohlgemuth April 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
A letter from Catherine Ostrsycki to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth congratulating
her on her surprise visits and decisive action at Polk State School and
Hospital.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Karen King to Helene Wohlgemuth April 20, 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
A letter from Karen King to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth congratulating her on her
actions at Polk State School and Hospital.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Mrs. Wood to Helene Wohlgemuth April 19, 1973 | 4 | 20 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | DPW: Helene Wohlgemuth Regarding Cages at Polk Center Correspondence V 1973 | 4 | 21 |
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Mrs. R. to Helene Wohlgemuth April 17, 1973 | 4 | 21 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Emil Barth to Helene Wohlgemuth April 19, 1973 | 4 | 21 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Ann Vaughan to Helene Wohlgemuth April 21, 1973 | 4 | 21 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Orville P. to Helene Wohlgemuth April 20, 1973 | 4 | 21 | Online
A letter from Orville P. to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth thanking her for
investigating and taking action at Polk State School and Hospital.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Robert McGill to Helene Wohlgemuth April 18, 1973 | 4 | 21 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Dr. J. Howard Turner to Helene Wohlgemuth April 19, 1973 | 4 | 21 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Elise Nystrom to Helene Wohlgemuth April 23, 1973 | 4 | 21 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Mrs. Davis to Helene Wohlgemuth April 23, 1973 | 4 | 21 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Dorothy Murphy to Helene Wohlgemuth April 22, 1973 | 4 | 21 | Online
A letter from Dorothy Murphy to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth demanding the
reinstatement of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and
Hospital.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Elma Harvey to Helene Wohlgemuth April 17, 1973 | 4 | 21 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from a "Concerned Parent" to Helene Wohlgemuth April 23, 1973 | 4 | 21 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from J. K. Runge to Helene Wohlgemuth April 20, 1973 | 4 | 21 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Carol Baugh to Helene Wohlgemuth April 24, 1973 | 4 | 21 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from the Venango County Commissioners to Milton Shapp April 24, 1973 | 4 | 21 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from a Westmoreland County Resident to Helene Wohlgemuth April 23, 1973 | 4 | 21 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Erie Association for Retarded Children Statement on the Dismissal of Dr.
James McClelland April 24, 1973 | 4 | 21 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Hugh Ransom to Milton Shapp April 19, 1973 | 4 | 21 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from William Cavanaugh to Helene Wohlgemuth April 19, 1973 | 4 | 21 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from William Cavanaugh to Milton Shapp April 19, 1973 | 4 | 21 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | DPW: Helene Wohlgemuth Regarding Cages at Polk Center Correspondence 1973-1974 | 4 | 22 |
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Robert Heasley to Helene Wohlgemuth April 19, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from A. T. McClure to Helene Wohlgemuth April 19, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from James Perry to Milton Shapp April 20, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Telegram from Health and Welfare Council of Venango County to Milton
Shapp April 18, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Russell Brinker to Helene Wohlgemuth April 18, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Mr. and Mrs. Carlisle to Helene Wohlgemuth April 18, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Dale Wilson to Milton Shapp April 19, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
A letter from Dale Wilson to Governor Milton Shapp protesting the dismissal of
Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Greydon Kay to Helene Wohlgemuth April 18, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Frank Poff Jr. Helene Wohlgemuth April 19, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter to the Editor from Margaret Moss April 19, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Thomas Yochim to Milton Shapp April 29, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Erika Kubey to Helene Wohlgemuth April 20, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from John Taylor to Helene Wohlgemuth April 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
A letter from John Taylor to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth requesting the
reinstatement of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and
Hospital.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Mary Mook to Milton Shapp April 17, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Note from D. H. Karr to Helene Wohlgemuth April 18, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Mrs. Z. to Helene Wohlgemuth April 18, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Mrs. Runkel to Helene Wohlgemuth April 19, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Alice Wilson to Helene Wohlgemuth April 19, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Mary Connolly to Helene Wohlgemuth April 19, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Mary Willis to Helene Wohlgemuth April 19, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Helen Stahl to Helene Wohlgemuth April 20, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Sarah Elliston to Milton Shapp April 18, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
A letter from Sarah Elliston to Governor Milton Shapp regarding the removal of
Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Ralph Silverthorn to Helen Wohlgemuth April 18, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
A letter from Ralph Silverthorn to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth regarding the
removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and
Hospital.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Dr. Kelsey to Helene Wohlgemuth April 18, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Helen Grettler to Helene Wohlgemuth April 19, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Cheryl Blyler and Rita Crawford to Helene Wohlgemuth April 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Barbara Shook to Helene Wohlgemuth April 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from William Collins to Helene Wohlgemuth April 20, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Joan Ihlenfeld to Helene Wohlgemuth April 18, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Guy Mammolite to Milton Shapp April 18, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Michael Ihlenfeld to Helene Wohlgemuth April 18, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Barbara Watkins to Milton Shapp April 18, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Winifred Van Gorp to Helene Wohlgemuth April 19, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from M. Blandin to Helene Wohlgemuth April 18, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Margaret Grace to Helene Wohlgemuth April 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Mary Jane Jerko to Helene Wohlgemuth April 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Eleanor S. to Helene Wohlgemuth April 18, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Estelle H. to Helene Wohlgemuth April 18, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from a "Penn Citizen" to Helene Wohlgemuth April 21, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Mr. and Mrs. W. to Helene Wohlgemuth April 20, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Samuel Fine to Helene Wohlgemuth April 19, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
A letter from Samuel Fine to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth protesting the removal
of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Mrs. Daye to Helene Wohlgemuth April 19, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
A letter from Mrs. Daye to Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth condemning the dismissal
of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Donna Straps to Helene Wohlgemuth April 19, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Luella Moffat to Helene Wohlgemuth April 19, 1973 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Virginia Thornburgh to Helene Wohlgemuth January 10, 1974 | 4 | 22 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | DPW: Helene Wohlgemuth Regarding Cages at Polk Center News Clippings 1973 | 4 | 23 |
|
| box | Folder | "Polk Editorial Lauded" Letter to the Editor April 29, 1973 | 4 | 23 | Online
An Erie Times-News letter to the editor from Homes H. J. Raudenbush
focusing on the issue of overcrowding of state schools and institutions.
|
| box | Folder | "Support Grows for Fired Polk Head" Article April 21, 1973 | 4 | 23 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder |
The Patriot Articles April 23, 1973 | 4 | 23 | <emph>The Patriot</emph> Articles
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.
|
| box | Folder |
Sunday Patriot-News Articles April 22, 1973 | 4 | 23 | <emph>Sunday Patriot-News</emph> Articles
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.
|
| box | Folder | "Hospital Where Chief Fired Has 1-1.5 Staff-Patient Ratio" Article April 20, 1973 | 4 | 23 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | "'More Staff, Training' Is Answer, Superintendent Says: Hamburg Facility
Relies on Drugs" Article April 20, 1973 | 4 | 23 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | "Doctor Tests 'Reward' Plan" Article April 21, 1973 | 4 | 23 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | "U.S. Mental Health Care: Animal, Vegetable or Human Being?" Article May 1973 | 4 | 23 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | "McClelland Dismissal an Unjustified Act" Article May 1973 | 4 | 23 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | "State Welfare Chief in Error at Polk" Article May 1973 | 4 | 23 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | "Welfare Head Suspect as a Credible Judge" Article April 27, 1973 | 4 | 23 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder |
The Herald Letters to the Editor May 1973 | 4 | 23 | <emph>The Herald</emph> Letters to the Editor
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.
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| box | Folder | News Release from the Tri-County Mental Health Association April 27, 1973 | 4 | 23 | Online
A news release from the Tri-County Mental Health Association denouncing the use
of cages at Polk State School and Hospital.
|
| box | Folder | Broadcast Opinion of Charles H. Warner Transcript April 26, 1973 | 4 | 23 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | "Patient Cage Draws Firing of Doctor" Article April 18, 1973 | 4 | 23 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | "State Hospital Inmate 'Caging' Is Prohibited" Article April 1973 | 4 | 23 | Online
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."
|
| box | Folder | Press Release from the Mental Patient Civil Liberties Project April 20, 1973 | 4 | 23 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | DPW: Helene Wohlgemuth Regarding Cages at Polk Center Press Releases 1973 | 4 | 24 |
|
| box | Folder | Department of Public Welfare News Release "Polk Superintendent Fired" April 17, 1973 | 4 | 24 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Draft of News Article to Harrisburg April 17, 1973 | 4 | 24 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | DPW: Helene Wohlgemuth Regarding Cages at Polk Center Grove City Borough
Council Resolution 1973 | 4 | 25 |
|
| box | folder | Resolution from the Borough of Grove City in Support of Dr. James
McClelland April 25,
1973 | 4 | 25 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | ACC-PARC Press Releases 1972-1973 | 4 | 26 |
|
| box | Folder | ACC-PARC News Conference Regarding Louis Novak August 28, 1972 | 4 | 26 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Louis Novak Investigation Note August 22, 1972 | 4 | 26 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Progress Report (Post-McClelland) 1973 | 4 | 27 |
|
| box | Folder | Polk Progress Report - Four Months September 1973 | 4 | 27 | Online
A report on the status of Polk State School and Hospital programs, policies, and
events four months after Joseph Colombatter started as superintendent.
|
| box | Folder | "Three Months of Progress at Polk State School and Hospital" Report July 20, 1973 | 4 | 27 | Online
A report on the status of Polk State School and Hospital three months after the
removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent.
|
| box | Folder | Newsletters 1973 | 4 | 28 |
|
| box | Folder | Case Files and Notes 1973-1976 | 4 | 29 |
|
| box | folder | Placement of Michael W. Letter January 12,
1976 | 4 | 29 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Case Files and Notes Regarding Death 1975 | 4 | 30 |
|
| box | Folder | Memo Regarding Death of Carl Fisher May 6, 1975 | 4 | 30 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Incident Report for the Death of Carl Fisher April 16, 1975 | 4 | 30 | Online
An incident report filed for the disappearance and death of Carl Fisher, a
resident of Polk State School and Hospital.
|
| box | Folder | "Death Is Ruled Accidental" Article April 18, 1975 | 4 | 30 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter to Joseph Colombatto from C. Richard Slater Regarding Carl Fisher April 15, 1975 | 4 | 30 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Raymond H. Case File Records (Death) 1972-1973 | 4 | 31 |
|
| box | Folder | Investigation of the Death of Raymond Helman Letter October 24, 1972 | 4 | 31 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | "Inquest Ordered in Polk Death" Article August 29, 1973 | 4 | 31 | Online
An article from The News-Herald newspaper regarding the
investigation into the death of Raymond Helman, a resident of Polk State School
and Hospital.
|
| box | Folder | Dispersal Task Force Records 1973-1977 | 4 | 32 |
|
| box | Folder | Notes on Polk Dispersal Meeting December 27, 1973 | 4 | 32 | Online
Notes taken, possibly by Bob Nelkin, during a meeting in Harrisburg regarding the
Polk Dispersal Project.
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| box | Folder | Polk Dispersal Plan Outline January 9, 1974 | 4 | 32 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | "Polk Improving, but Patient Load Problems Persist" Article February 8, 1974 | 4 | 32 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Bob Nelkin to Anna Belle Calloway September 18, 1975 | 4 | 32 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Charles Peters to Peter Polloni May 12, 1977 | 4 | 32 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Community Living Arrangements Plan Fiscal Year 1977-1978 May 6, 1977 | 4 | 32 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Report: Facility Survey (Dispersal) 1973 | 4 | 33 |
|
| box | Folder | News Clippings 1973 | 4 | 34 |
|
| box | Folder | News Clippings Regarding Cages 1973 | 4 | 35 |
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| box | Folder | News Clippings Regarding Conditions 1973-1997 | 4 | 36 |
|
| box | Folder | News Clippings 1972-1975 | 4 | 37 |
|
| box | Folder | Correspondence 1974 | 4 | 38 |
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Bob Nelkin to Nick D'Aluisio July 15, 1974 | 4 | 38 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Marlene Burda to Norman Taylor December 9, 1974 | 4 | 38 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Dispersal - Park Nursing Home Correspondence 1974 | 4 | 39 |
|
| box | Folder | Correspondence 1975 | 4 | 40 |
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Kenneth Winograd to Charles Peters January 22, 1975 | 4 | 40 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Charles Peters to Virginia Thornburgh February 20, 1975 | 4 | 40 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Virginia Thornburgh to Norman Taylor February 10, 1975 | 4 | 40 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Bob Nelkin to Joseph Colombatto June 10, 1975 | 4 | 40 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Correspondence Regarding Deaths 1975 | 4 | 41 |
|
| box | folder | Letter from Ronald Archer to Bob Nelkin and Doug Spencer April 17,
1975 | 4 | 41 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Correspondence 1976 | 4 | 42 |
|
| box | Folder | Nicholas D'Aluisio Response to 1976 Visit to Polk State School and
Hospital March 12-24, 1976 | 4 | 42 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Bob Nelkin to Anna Belle Calloway (2) May 27, 1976 | 4 | 42 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Correspondence Regarding Dispersal Program 1976 | 4 | 43 |
|
| box | folder | Letter from Larry Jenkins on behalf of Anna Bell Calloway to Bob Nelkin June 10, 1976 | 4 | 43 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Correspondence 1977 | 4 | 44 |
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Nicholas D'Aluisio to Bob Nelkin January 18, 1978 | 4 | 44 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Bob Nelkin to Nicholas D'Aluisio January 13, 1978 | 4 | 44 | Online
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.
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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.
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| box | Folder | Visitation Team Reports - ACC-PARC and PARC Correspondence 1972-1973 | 4 | 45 |
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| box | Folder | L. Steuart Brown Memo to PARC Chapter Presidents and Executives August 6, 1973 | 4 | 45 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | ACC-PARC Press Release April 19, 1973 | 4 | 45 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Patricia Clapp Memo to PARC Chapter Presidents and Executives April 23, 1973 | 4 | 45 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Polk State School and Hospital Visit Report (3) January 24, 1973 | 4 | 45 | Online
A report by Virginia Thornburgh and Bob Nelkin detailing the deplorable
conditions at Polk State School during a visit to the institution.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Helene Wohlgemuth to Mr. and Mrs. Rosenblatt May 7, 1973 | 4 | 45 | Online
A letter from Helene Wohlgemuth reassuring concerned parents of a Polk State
School resident in the aftermath of Superintendent Dr. James McClelland's
dismissal.
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| box | Folder | "Mail Censorship Charged at Polk" Article February 27, 1973 | 4 | 45 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Robert Hiltner to Charles Peters March 7, 1973 | 4 | 45 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Report on Visit to Laurelton State School and Hospital March 9, 1973 | 4 | 45 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Eleanor Elkin to Commissioner Ed Goldman February 22, 1973 | 4 | 45 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Notes on Cresson State School Fire February 15, 1973 | 4 | 45 | Online
A scan of notes, possibly written by Bob Nelkin, detailing the facts of the fire
at Cresson State School.
|
| box | Folder | Additional Notes on Fire at Cresson State School February 1973 | 4 | 45 | Online
A scan of handwritten notes related to a fire at Cresson State School that killed
at least two patients.
|
| box | Folder | "Sprinklers Cited in Retarded Fire Deaths" Article February 17, 1973 | 4 | 45 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | ACC-PARC News Release (3) February 16, 1973 | 4 | 45 | Online
A press release by ACC-PARC providing details of the fire at Cresson State School
earlier that month.
|
| box | Folder | Irene Stacy Community Mental Health Center Dispersal Letter May 3, 1973 | 4 | 45 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Bob Nelkin Memo (2) March 9, 1973 | 4 | 45 | Online
A memo from Bob Nelkin to the State School and Hospital and Interim Care
Committee detailing the cost of institutionalizing patients from Allegheny
County.
|
| box | Folder | Bob Nelkin Memo (3) June 11, 1973 | 4 | 45 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Ebensburg and Cresson Centers Dental Services Advocacy Records 1975-1979 | 4 | 46 |
|
| box | Folder | Letter from PARC Officers to Aldo Colautti January 8, 1979 | 4 | 46 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Jay Reznik to Peter Polloni November 14, 1978 | 4 | 46 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Dental Review of Ebensburg Center c. 1978 | 4 | 46 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Dental Review of Ebensburg Center (2) January 23, 1979 | 4 | 46 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Dr. Reznik Dental Review of Cresson Center c. 1978 | 4 | 46 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Department of Health Dental Review of Cresson Center January 23, 1979 | 4 | 46 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Dental Services Press Packet January 8, 1979 | 4 | 46 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Ebensburg and Cresson Centers Dental Services Advocacy Records 1979 | 4 | 47 |
|
| box | Folder | Dental Inventory Planned Strategy February 9, 1979 | 4 | 47 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Alfredo Reyes to Donald Hartley February 8, 1979 | 4 | 47 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Ebensburg Center Dental Extractions Policy Bulletin July 20, 1978 | 4 | 47 | Online
A policy bulletin from Dr. Donald Hartley, superintendent of Ebensburg Center,
explaining the procedure for emergency and non-emergency dental extractions for
residents.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Helen O'Bannon to Teddi Leiden February 6, 1979 | 4 | 47 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Teddi Leiden to Aldo Colautti January 16, 1979 | 4 | 47 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Proposed Plan for Dental Service Reviews January 1979 | 4 | 47 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Cresson Center and Ebensburg Center News Clippings 1982 | 4 | 48 |
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| box | Folder | Ebensburg Center Correspondence 1976 | 4 | 49 |
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| box | Folder | Letter from Elsie Schmidt and Marlene Burda to Frank Beal January 9, 1976 | 4 | 49 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from Marlene Burda to Harry Herman January 9, 1976 | 4 | 49 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Narrative Report of Ebensburg Center January 9, 1976 | 4 | 49 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter to Charles Inlander November 7, 1975 | 4 | 49 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | PARC Residential Services Committee Report Format c. 1970-1979 | 4 | 49 | Online
A copy of the PARC Residential Services Committee's standard report format for
visits to residential facilities.
|
| box | Folder | Letter to Charles Inlander (2) 1975-12-04 | 4 | 49 | Online
An unsigned letter to Charles Inlander regarding the author's visit to Ebensburg
Center and the lack of educational programming available for residents.
|
| box | Folder | Ebensburg Center Report: PARC 1977 | 4 | 50 |
|
| box | folder | Narrative Report of Ebensburg Center Draft October 7,
1977 | 4 | 50 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Highland Park Center Rights of the Intellectually Disabled 1976 | 4 | 51 |
|
| box | folder | Highland Park Center Policies March 17,
1976 | 4 | 51 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Highland Park Center Residents Rights 1979 | 4 | 52 |
|
| box | folder | Highland Park Center Statement of Resident's Rights December 1979 | 4 | 52 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Highland Park Center Maladaptive Behavior Programming Correspondence,
Reports, and Policies 1983 | 4 | 53 |
|
| box | Folder | Letter from N. Karen Kelly to Walter Cohen June 2, 1983 | 4 | 53 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Highland Park Center Report May 27, 1983 | 4 | 53 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Highland Park Center Maladaptive Behavior Program Progress Report February 1983 | 4 | 53 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Memo from Peg Veedock to Highland Park Center Staff January 25, 1983 | 4 | 53 | Online
A memo from Associate Executive Director of Highland Park Center Peg Veedock to
the rest of the staff praising them after a review.
|
| box | Folder | Highland Park Center Maladaptive Behavior Program Report c. 1983 | 4 | 53 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Highland Park Center Program Services Department Status Report January 27, 1983 | 4 | 53 | Online
A status report for Highland Park Center's Program Services Department by Millie
Telega, assistant executive director for program services.
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| box | Folder | Highland Park Center Maladaptive Behavior Program Progress Report (2) April 1983 | 4 | 53 | Online
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.
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| box | Folder | Letter from N. Karen Kelly to Dorothy Rowe April 4, 1983 | 4 | 53 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Bob Nelkin Notes on Erik Wittman September 30, 1983 | 4 | 53 | Online
Handwritten notes by Bob Nelkin after a meeting with Erik Wittman, leader of a
Department of Public Welfare investigation into Highland Park Center.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Walter Cohen to N. Karen Kelly June 27, 1983 | 4 | 53 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Highland Park Center Emma M.: Maladaptive Behavior Program 1980-1982 | 4 | 54 |
|
| box | Folder | Highland Park Center Research: Electroshock Therapy Maladaptive Behavior c. 1970-1980 | 4 | 55 |
|
| box | Folder | Highland Park Center Photographs (Building Exterior, Electric Cattle Prod,
and Restraints) 1983 | 4 | 56 |
|
| box | Folder | Highland Park Center Restraining Chair August 1983 | 4 | 56 | Online
An image of a chair with restraints used on individuals with intellectual and
developmental disabilities at Highland Park Center.
|
| box | Folder | Highland Park Center Resident Helmet August 1983 | 4 | 56 | Online
An image of a helmet used on an individual with intellectual and developmental
disabilities at Highland Park Center.
|
| box | Folder | Highland Park Center Resident Helmet (2) August 1983 | 4 | 56 | Online
An image of a helmet used on an individual with intellectual and developmental
disabilities at Highland Park Center.
|
| box | Folder | Highland Park Center Straitjacket August 1983 | 4 | 56 | Online
An image of a straitjacket used on individuals with intellectual and
developmental disabilities at Highland Park Center.
|
| box | Folder | Highland Park Center Cattle Prod August 1983 | 4 | 56 | Online
An image of a cattle prod used to shock individuals with intellectual and
developmental disabilities at Highland Park Center.
|
| box | Folder | Highland Park Center News Clippings, July 1983-February 1984 1983-1984 | 4 | 57 |
|
| box | Folder | Mountaintop School Report: Visitation 1972 | 4 | 58 |
|
| box | folder | Findings of the ACC-PARC Review Team at Mountaintop School for the
Mentally Retarded October 20,
1972 | 4 | 58 | Online
A report by the ACC-PARC Review Team detailing the incidents of abuse at
Mountaintop School for the Mentally Retarded in Wapwallopen, Pennsylvania.
|
| box | Folder | Pleasant Manor Correspondence Regarding Site Visit 1982 | 4 | 59 |
|
| box | Folder | Ridgeview Center Correspondence Regarding Court Appearance 1972 | 4 | 60 |
|
| box | folder | Letter from Donald Oesterling to Bob Nelkin October 31, 1972 | 4 | 60 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Ridgeview Center News Clippings, August-October 1972 1972 | 4 | 61 |
|
| box | Folder | Robinson Development Center Correspondence 1976 | 4 | 62 |
|
| box | Folder | Slingsgrove State School and Hospital Correspondence Regarding Supplemental
Security Income 1975-1976 | 4 | 63 |
|
| box | Folder | Bob Nelkin Letter Regarding Supplemental Security Income Benefits at
Selinsgrove State School and Hospital March 30, 1976 | 4 | 63 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Letter from Joseph Scartelli to Bob Nelkin April 14, 1976 | 4 | 63 | Online
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.
|
| box | Folder | Stillmeadow School News Clippings 1972 | 4 | 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.
|
| box | Folder | Publications and Exposes I 1966-1975 | 5 | 1 |
|
| box | Folder | Publications and Exposes II 1966-1975 | 5 | 2 |
|
| box | Folder | Publications and Exposes III 1966-1975 | 5 | 3 |
|
| box | Folder | Publications and Exposes IV 1966-1975 | 5 | 4 |
|
| box | Folder |
Citizen Advocacy for the Handicapped, Impaired, and
Disadvantaged - The President's Committee on Mental Retardation 1972 | 5 | 5 |
|
| box | Folder | MH/MR Articles 1973 | 5 | 6 |
|
| box | Folder | Pennsylvania Residential Services Articles 1977 | 5 | 7 |
|
| box | Folder | Advocacy Articles 1977-1979 | 5 | 8 |
|
| box | Folder | Mental Health - Conditions and Abuse 1978 | 5 | 9 |
|
| box | Folder | Program Analysis of Service Systems (MR) 1978 | 5 | 10 |
|
| box | Folder |
The Community Imperative: Refutation of All Arguments in Support of
Institutionalization Anybody Because of Mental Retardation I 1979 | 5 | 11 |
|
| box | Folder |
The Community Imperative: Refutation of All Arguments in Support of
Institutionalization Anybody Because of Mental Retardation II 1979 | 5 | 12 |
|
| box | Folder |
The Right to Live in the Community
1980 | 5 | 13 |
|
| box | Folder | Publications: MR 1981 | 5 | 14 |
|
| box | Folder | Notes: MR Treatment Models Undated | 5 | 15 |
|
| box | Folder | Research Articles 1980-1981 | 5 | 16 |
|
Return to Table of Contents »
|
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.
|
| Shelf | volume | ACC-PARC Scrapbook 1966-1967 | 1 | 1 |
|
| Shelf | Volume | Pat Clapp Scrapbook on Hillcrest/Ridgeview Center 1972 | 1 | 2 |
|
| Shelf | Volume | Melwood Preschool Scrapbook 1974-1975 | 1 | 3 |
|
Return to Table of Contents »
|
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).
|
| box | Folder | Portraits c. 1960-1990 | 5 | 17 |
|
| box | Folder | Group Shots 1955-1990 | 5 | 18 |
|
| box | Folder | Press Photographs 1975-1986 | 5 | 19 |
|
| box | Folder | Awards 1977-1988 | 5 | 20 |
|
| box | Folder | Opportunity Center/PARC-Way 1984-1998 | 5 | 21 |
|
| box | Folder | Avalon Group Home 1991 | 5 | 22 |
|
| box | Folder | Dedication Celebration 1998 | 5 | 23 |
|
| box | Folder | Camp Activities 2000 | 5 | 24 |
|
Return to Table of Contents »
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