ALBANY, N.Y. ( NEWS10 )– More than fifty years ago, the Willowbrook State School in Staten Island was exposed for its horrific treatment of those with developmental disabilities by investigative journalist Geraldo Rivera in 1972.
On Friday, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office and the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Willowbrook Consent Decree.
Rivera’s reporting led to a nation-wide outcry over the quality of care and lack of rights for people with disabilities. After lawsuits and family members seeking change, in 1975 the Willowbrook Consent Decree became effective on behalf of residents and their families…