In June 1966, Governor Rolvaag issued a declaration of basic rights for people with developmental disabilities. These rights included:
- The right to live without privation,
- The right to be useful,
- The right to individual care, help, education, acceptance, job, clarity and efficiency.
By 1965, community care was in its infancy, serving 1,545 people. However, access to community care would soon explode.
While it cost less to serve people in private facilities, the state still paid only for services delivered through state hospitals.
Public pressure mounted to have the state pay for a portion of the expense of caring for people living in private facilities. The result was a reimbursement system that capped parent payments at $10 a month. The remainder of the cost was shared by counties and the state.
In 1966, Governor Rolvaag outlined rights for people with developmental disabilities.
Video: Milt Conrath acted as a witness during the Welsch trial regarding the conditions and practices of state hospitals.
During the 1960s, the number of residents in Day Activity Centers and Private Facilities grew at an increasing rate.