Chapter 1.

Introduction

Princeton University

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1.1 Shameful Past Institutions for Persons with Intellectual Disability or Other Developmental Disabilities

This video depicts the Fernald School, an institution for "feeble-minded" boys existing in the 1920s, which was, in fact, part of the American eugenics movement. It also shows interviews with former residents who recall severe abuse and mistreatment, and it discusses the lasting impact of an incorrect diagnosis of "moron." As you will see in the video, evidence has come to light that involuntary experiments were conducted on the boys in past decades.

1.2 Check Your Understanding

1.3 Activity Completed!