Over the years, people with developmental disabilities were served by state-run institutions in 12 communities throughout Minnesota.
In the 1950s, parents of children with developmental disabilities, especially those in Minneapolis and St. Paul, were becoming activists. In those days, children with disabilities were regarded with disdain, fear, or, even worse, seen as non-existent.
The most prominent organization at the time was the Minneapolis Association of Retarded Children, known as The Arc. Formed in December of 1946 by Evelyn Carlson and Reuben Lindh, its mission was to tackle issues related to treating children with developmental disabilities.
The Lindhs found common courtesy an effective way to bridge the gap. For years, the couple hosted appreciation teas for hundreds of state hospital employees to thank them for guiding, teaching and caring for the children entrusted to them.
Staff appreciation teas were an effective way to build bridges between caregivers and families.
Minnesota state-run institutions in the 1950s.