Fairview Training Center

Fairview Training Center was a state-run facility for people with developmental disabilities located in Salem, Oregon, United States. Established in 1907 as the Oregon State Institution for the Feeble-Minded, it underwent several name changes before being known as Fairview Training Center. The institution was designed to provide care and training for individuals with various developmental disabilities. Over the years, it became a subject of controversy due to allegations of abuse and poor living conditions. The facility officially closed in 2000, marking the end of an era in the state's treatment of individuals with developmental disabilities.

History

The establishment of the Fairview Training Center can be traced back to the early 20th century, when the state of Oregon recognized the need for a specialized institution to care for individuals with mental and developmental disabilities. In 1907, the Oregon State Institution for the Feeble-Minded was opened with the intention of providing a place for education, training, and care for this population.

Throughout its history, the name of the institution was changed several times, reflecting shifts in societal attitudes and language regarding developmental disabilities. In the mid-20th century, it was known as the Oregon Fairview Home before finally being named the Fairview Training Center.

During its operation, Fairview Training Center expanded its facilities and programs in an attempt to provide better care and training for its residents. However, the institution was often criticized for its overcrowded conditions, inadequate care, and instances of abuse and neglect. These issues were highlighted in several investigations and reports, leading to public outcry and demands for reform.

Closure and Legacy

The movement towards deinstitutionalization, which began in the 1960s and gained momentum in the following decades, advocated for the rights of individuals with disabilities to live in community settings rather than in large, isolated institutions. This movement, along with the specific controversies surrounding Fairview Training Center, led to the decision to close the facility.

In 2000, Fairview Training Center officially closed its doors, and the remaining residents were transitioned into community-based care settings. The closure marked a significant shift in Oregon's approach to caring for individuals with developmental disabilities, moving away from institutionalization towards integration and community living.

The legacy of Fairview Training Center is complex. While it was a place of mistreatment and controversy, it also played a role in the evolution of care for individuals with developmental disabilities. The closure of the facility has been seen as a positive step towards respecting the rights and dignity of these individuals.

Site Today

After its closure, the site of the Fairview Training Center has been the subject of various redevelopment plans. The land and buildings have been repurposed for different uses, including residential, commercial, and public spaces. The transformation of the site is a physical representation of the shift in societal attitudes towards individuals with developmental disabilities.

See Also

• Deinstitutionalization
• Developmental disability
• History of mental health in the United States