Front Wards, Back Wards
 America's first public facility for people labelled mentally retarded was formed in 1848 in Massachusetts. It is still open today and stands as a model of the best and worst we can do for people we define as needing our assistance.
Originally formed as a school so that people could be trained to function better in their homes and communities, it became an "Asylum" in 1890, designed to hold people for the rest of their lives. While still clinging to the idea of training and education, its larger role was as a kind of warehouse of people, providing a bed and food, but little else. Its purpose was to protect society from the negative effects of the "Feeble-minded."
Today Fernald has again redefined itself, calling itself the Fernald Center. Once filled with thousands it is now home for less than 200 residents, who are referred to as "consumers."
Front Wards, Back Wards is the troubling story of this changing place.
View video clip here.
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