The 1960s marked a turning point in the movement for disability and civil rights. National attention turned toward the abuse and neglect inside large state institutions, including the Willowbrook State School, where overcrowding, unsafe conditions, and human rights violations were finally exposed to the public. At the same time, powerful works like Christmas in Purgatory documented the inhumane treatment of people with developmental disabilities, revealing photographs and stories that could no longer be ignored.

These revelations helped fuel landmark legal action—including the Pennhurst case—which challenged the widespread denial of basic rights and became a foundation for deinstitutionalization and community living. Together, these events pushed policymakers, families, and advocates to build new systems of support, ultimately paving the way for the creation of the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council and similar organizations across the country.

Learn more:
• Willowbrook: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willowbrook_State_School
• Christmas in Purgatory: http://www.preservepennhurst.org/default.aspx?pg=1643
• Pennhurst Case: https://disabilityjustice.org/halderman-v-pennhurst-state-school-hospital/