Institutions: Close Them! ~ A Production of People First of New Hampshire

Institutions: Close Them! is a film production inspired by members of People First of New Hampshire to help send the message that all institutions must be closed. Featured in the film are five members of People First of New Hampshire who had lived at Laconia State School and Training Center in Laconia, New Hampshire. Laconia was the first state institution in the United States to close in 1991. These five individuals; Frank, Roberta, Linda, Annabelle, and Joanne share their stories past and present to encourage movement toward community living. For more information and to get involved, visit www.peoplefirstofnh.org.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• People First of New Hampshire
• Institutions
• Self-Advocacy
• Advocacy
• Disabilities
• Human Rights
• Community

[JulieAnnRacino]

Great job! Particular congratulations to Roberta Gallante (quite eloquent) and Janet Hunt for her persistence and energy through the years.

The original case study research reports on the closure and service system should still be available on ERIC for free use (Racino, @1991-93); in addition, Part I of the book, Policy program evaluation and research in disability: Community support for all (Racino, 1999) contains case studies relevant to the closure (I hear this is available as an e-reader).

[BCSAF]

Thank you for making this video. You may find our website and No More Barriers video of interest. bcsaf.org

[codeman38]

@baileyj2009 Seconding the request for a captioned version. I've been told that this is *very* important, but YouTube's auto-captioning makes complete word salad of it.

[cutebutnotnice100]

Very touching...

[lessordxtz]

This is a great video, and very worth sharing around the country. I know that people with disabilities are still living in isolation and in places they do not choose, but on a smaller scale. Nevertheless, many people are living institutional lives, even in group homes where as few as three people are placed together. People who run group homes may see this video and think they are providing a positive alternative to people with disabilities. Not so.

[baileyj2009]

Thank you for this important documentary. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories and to all who worked to produce the film. I hope there will be a captioned version so that it will be accessible to people with hearing impairment or auditory processing difficulties. Thanks again!

Judy Bailey

Centreville, VA

[roybercaw]

Good Video. Ideas expressed should be spread across the country.