Minnesota continued to lead the nation in redefining the care of people with developmental disabilities.
In January 1962, the state conducted the nation's first survey of state hospitals. Survey results revealed that 475 of Minnesota's 6,565 state hospital residents could be released if community placements were available. It also showed that 14 percent of the residents had IQs over 60.
Under Dr Vail's direction, "dehumanization" practices in state hospitals were attacked intensely in 1963. Surveys of wards were conducted and problem identification/solving approaches were implemented to reduce dehumanization.
A survey of 6,565 state hospital residents revealed that many were candidates for community placement.
Video: Miriam Karlins, former official of the Department of Public Welfare, worked with medical director, David Vail, to eliminate dehumanizing practices in state institutions.
Part 2: Dehumanization Occurs in All Types of Settings
Part 3: Changes Brought on by the Ward Living Conditions Survey
Dehumanizing individuals means treating them as less than human.
A documentary film, Dehumanization and the Total Institution, starring an Inspector Clouseau-like undercover agent, won several national awards.
This documentary described how people were treated in military service, in prisons and in state hospitals. The film reminded the audience that levels of care were often based on the convenience of staff, rather than for the actual benefit of the resident.
An award-winning documentary raised awareness of the way people are dehumanized in institutional settings.