Care standards for people with developmental disabilities reached a critical juncture on August 30, 1972. On that day, Richard Welsch filed a complaint with federal courts criticizing the physical condition, care, treatment and training residents received at Minnesota's regional treatment centers.
Welsch, whose daughter had lived at Cambridge State Hospital since she was seven years old, alleged that conditions at the facility and the treatment provided did not meet constitutional standards of due process. Attorney Neil Mickenberg led the class action suit.
Video: Eleanor Welsch, mother of Patty Welsch,whose parents filed the landmark federal suit over lack of are at Cambridge State Hospital.
Part 1: The Beginning of the Welsch Case from a Mother’s Viewpoint
A lawsuit filed by Richard Welsch criticized resident care at Minnesota institutions.
Once again, the media proved an ally to those seeking to change the system. Sam Newlund covered the Welsch case for the Minneapolis Tribune, while Ann Baker covered the issue for the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
The state Arc was a primary supporter of the lawsuit. Arc activists Lon Miller and Darlene Olson traveled throughout the state to organize local support.
Welsch Trial Slide Show Photographs from the 1973 trial
Arc activist Darlene Olson organized local support to change the way Minnesota cared for people.