Belchertown State School
Photographs Sourced: Andrew Milford https://www.flickr.com/photos/andymilford/albums/72157646924168513/with/15642987984/
Belchertown State School was a residential facility for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities located in Belchertown, Massachusetts, United States. It opened in 1922 and was operated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Initially established as the Belchertown State School for the Feeble-Minded, the institution aimed to provide care, education, and training for individuals with intellectual disabilities. However, over the years, the facility became notorious for its poor conditions, overcrowding, and inadequate care. It remained shrouded in secrecy regarding the abuse that transpired within its walls. Unbeknownst to the public, a wave of mistreatment plagued the institution until concerned parents discovered the horrifying truth about their children's experiences.
Reports of abuse, neglect, and mistreatment at Belchertown State School began to surface in the 1970s. Investigations revealed instances of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse inflicted upon residents. The facility's outdated and overcrowded living conditions, along with a lack of proper staff training and supervision, contributed to these issues. The attendants, burdened by an overwhelming workload, were responsible for overseeing numerous patients within each ward, leaving insufficient time for proper toileting care. Consequently, patients were left partially unclothed and forced to endure their own excrement.
In the 1990s, efforts were made to improve conditions and transition residents to community-based settings. As public perception shifted toward deinstitutionalization and the promotion of community inclusion for individuals with disabilities, Belchertown State School faced increasing scrutiny.
A class action lawsuit was initiated, spearheaded by Benjamin Ricci. Ricci, fueled by his firsthand account, chronicled the harrowing mistreatment in a book, capturing a poignant quote from his son: "His evaluation method entailed a superficial examination during the physical assessment, leading him to assume my imbecility due to my inability to speak or comprehend his words... (Sienkewicz-Mercer p38)." The book also highlighted the attendants' rough handling when moving patients, resulting in injuries and distress. The severe maltreatment endured by some patients manifested in behaviors such as moaning in the hallways, self-soiling, and repeatedly banging their heads against walls (Sienkewicz-Mercer, p. 50).
Eventually, in 1992, the facility closed its doors, following a lawsuit filed on behalf of residents seeking improved conditions and treatment. The closure marked a significant milestone in the movement towards community-based care and the recognition of individuals' rights and dignity.
Today, the former site of Belchertown State School is no longer in operation. The buildings have been demolished, and the land has been repurposed for other uses. The history of the institution serves as a reminder of the importance of advocating for the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities and the ongoing efforts to ensure inclusive and quality care for all.
Presently, efforts are underway to restore the cemetery and rectify the previous practice of numbering graves by adding the names of the deceased. Additionally, a noteworthy project worth 1.25 million dollars has been approved to develop 170 units of assisted living homes, catering to the needs of the community.
History Sourced
https://mschwarzphoto.com/blog-1/tag/Belchertown+state+school
