Pennhurst State School And Hospital

Pennhurst State School and Hospital was an institution for the mentally and physically disabled individuals of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Located in Spring City, Pennsylvania, Pennhurst State School was opened on November 23, 1908 and closed on December 9, 1987 due to several allegations of abuse.

History

Pennhurst State School was originally known as the Eastern Pennsylvania State Institution for the Feeble-Minded and Epileptic. The institution was built on 1,400 acres and had a capacity of over 3,500 patients. The institution was designed to house, care for, and educate the mentally and physically disabled individuals. However, the institution was often overcrowded and understaffed, leading to numerous allegations of abuse and neglect.

Abuse Allegations and Closure

In the 1960s, allegations of abuse and neglect at Pennhurst State School began to surface. In 1977, a lawsuit was filed against the institution, leading to a landmark decision in the case of Halderman v. Pennhurst State School and Hospital. The court ruled that Pennhurst State School violated patients' constitutional rights to adequate care and safe conditions. This led to the closure of the institution in 1987.

Legacy

Today, the Pennhurst State School site is a reminder of the mistreatment of the mentally and physically disabled individuals in the past. The site has been converted into a historical site and a haunted attraction known as the Pennhurst Asylum. The legacy of Pennhurst State School continues to influence policies and attitudes towards the care and treatment of the mentally and physically disabled individuals.

See Also

• Institutionalization
• Mental health in the United States
• Disability rights movement