In 1962, the state Arc and Department of Public Welfare jointly sponsored a public opinion poll of hundreds of Minnesotans.
While most of those surveyed could define mental retardation, most didn't know its causes or the kind of employee or neighbor such a person might make. However, the majority believed such folks should live normal lives, as long as they didn't vote or drink.
A 1962 public opinion survey indicated that the majority of respondents believed people with developmental disabilities should be allowed to lead normal lives.
In 1963, federal funds became available through the Mental Retardation Facilities Construction Act to build community facilities. Minnesota was the first state to submit a plan to the U.S. Surgeon General, capturing $3.8 million in grants.
Although the State of Minnesota is fairly small in population compared to other states, the plan weighed almost 6 pounds and was approved in April 1966.
Minnesota was the first state to submit a plan to use federal funding to build community facilities.
In 1963, Governor Karl Rolvaag led four bus tours for state officials, legislators, parents and advocates to visit state hospital programs, focus on the patients, share ideas and communicate.
Governor Rolvaag used the bus tours to build rapport with state legislators, to build support for the changes and to establish local support in communities around the state.
Governor Rolvaag:
Took the Show on the Road