The beginning of the film explained the history of Willowbrook. In the past, a mental disabled person was immediately shunned in society. Doctors believed that it would be better for the person and for their parents to put them in an institution specifically for the developmentally challenged instead of having them cared for in the home. Willowbrook State School in Staten Island was a place where many people with mental disabilities were placed because it promised professional treatment, however that wasn’t the case. A reporter, Geraldo Rivera, snuck into the facility when he was given a key by a doctor that quit. He saw naked children that were covered in feces, the air had a horrible odor that was indescribable and there weren’t enough nurses and workers to keep the place running efficiently. The food that they received was soggy and it was force into them in a matter of minutes. After all of this was known to the public, Willowbrook would continue to stay open for 10 more years. …show more content…
Patty was placed in the facility with no one knowing what to expect. She didn’t have valuable options for treatment just as everyone else who has a mental illness. Luis and his severe limitations were worsening when he was placed in Willowbrook. When he was placed in a new facility, his family spent most of their days by his side because of the horror they experienced in Willowbrook. Bernard was interviewed by Rivera and he found out that there is nothing wrong with him. He was misplaced in the institution for a small physical illness. His hope on becoming a layer was crushed because of being stuck at