Page Introduction
This page is a continuation of the New York State Disability Histroy Timeline Exhibit with specific information about the 1980s.
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1980s
The 1980s were a decade of a mass movement to close New York State Developmental Centers. Construction of 12- bed Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF) and Mental Retardation models continued. Some argued that these new facilities were imitations of institutions, just on a smaller scale. Many of the ICFs were built on the same grounds as the developmental centers. Thousands of individuals remained in institutions and on waiting lists. There was an increase in comprehensive services and provider agencies formed to implement day treatment programs. An alliance was formed by the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, Association for Retarded Children and United Cerebral Palsy groups creating an avenue for resolving problems and implementing solutions amongst these human service agencies. By the end of the decade, 6 NYS Developmental Centers were officially closed.
1980
OMRDD: James Introne becomes 2nd Commissioner for the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities(1980-1982).
1980
Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act adopted by U.S. Congress. The act authorized the Department of Justice to investigate and sue state and local governments on behalf of institutionalized individuals when their constitutional rights are violated.
1980
Networking Project on Disabled Women and Girls started by Harilyn Rousso at New York City YWCA.
1981
Ronald W. Reagan becomes President of the United States (1981-1989).
1982
Telecommunications for the Disabled Act passed by U.S. Congress. The act calls for all public telephones to be hearing-aid friendly.
1982
OMRDD: Zymond L. Slezak is named 3rd Commissioner for the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (1982-1983).
1982
"National Decade of Disabled Persons"(1983-1992) declared by the United Nations General Assembly. President Ronald Reagan issues a proclamation acknowledging the "courage and determination" of the disabled and those who have given of their time to "enrich the lives of the disabled."
1983
Mario M. Cuomo begins first of 3 terms as Governor of New York State (1983-1995).
1983
OMRDD: Arthur Y. Webb becomes 4th Commissioner for the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities(1983-1990).
1983
Job Accommodation Network (JAN) set up by President’s Committee on Employment of the Handicapped to assist businesses who hire disabled employees.
1984
The Willowbrook Wars: A Decade of Struggle for Social Justice, by David J. Rothman and Sheila M. Rothman is published in 1984. The book chronicles the judiciary process of closing Willowbrook Developmental Center in Staten Island, New York. It also looked at the outcome of the case ARC v. Rockefeller and outcomes for the individuals living at Willowbrook.
1984
Social Security Disability Reform Act adopted by U.S. Congress. Statutory standards established to evaluate an individual with a disability included a face-to-face review. All impairments were considered as a whole, not in part, and the evaluation process was minimized. The individual also maintained benefits during the appeal process.
1984
Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act of 1984 required that federal election polling stations be physically accessible to elderly and physically disabled voters. The act also required polling stations provide large print for the visually impaired and telecommunication devices for the hearing impaired.
1985
Supported Work Program launched by NYS Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities serving a wide range of persons with disabilities, particularly those who are difficult to place. The program provides training and preparation necessary to obtain gainful employment and to receive the prevailing wage (minimum or above).
1986
Small Residential Units (SRU) initiated by the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. A SRU was built on existing institutional land and consisted of 12 beds per unit. SRUs were met with opposition from those in favor of de-institutionalization but were built anyway.
1986
Self Advocacy Association of New York (SAANY) is founded to “create a person -centered and person-directed system of support” for people with developmental disabilities and holds their first statewide seminar in 1991.
1986
Employment Opportunities for Disabled Americans Act was passed by U.S. Congress, making the SSI-1619 of 1980 a pilot project permanent. The act allowed workers with disabilities to maintain Medicaid benefits while working.
1986
Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill Individuals Act (PAIMI) passed by U.S. Congress. The act established the PAIMI program to protect civil rights of in-patients or residents of mental health facilities.
1987
Willowbrook Developmental Center Opened 1947 Closed September 17,1987
1987
OMRDD’s 5.07 plan, "Strengthening the Continuum" demonstrates the ways in which the agency was building multiple services and was providing a path which an individual could move along to improve his or her quality of life.
1988
Craig Developmental Center Opened 1894 Closed December 6,1988
1988
Westchester Developmental Center Opened 1971 Closed December 15,1988
1988
The National Council on Disability drafts first version of the American with Disabilities Act, which was introduced during the 100th U.S. Congress.
1988
Deaf Life monthly magazine begins publishing in Rochester, NY.
1989
George H.W. Bush becomes President of the United States (1989-1993).
1989
Rome Developmental Center Opened 1894 Closed November 29,1989