What was Willowbrook?

Willowbrook State School was a state-run institution on Staten Island, New York, that operated from 1947 to 1987. Originally intended to care for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, it became infamous for severe overcrowding, neglect, and abuse. At its peak, it housed over 6,000 residents in conditions that U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy described as a “snake pit.” 

In 1972, investigative journalist Geraldo Rivera exposed the inhumane conditions at Willowbrook, bringing national attention to the mistreatment of individuals with disabilities. This exposé led to public outcry, legal action, and significant reforms in the care and rights of people with disabilities, including the eventual closure of the institution in 1987. ​

The horrors of Willowbrook served as a catalyst for the deinstitutionalization movement and the development of community-based services. It also played a pivotal role in the establishment of federal civil rights protections for individuals with disabilities, influencing legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).