Planned transformation of former Willowbrook State School highlights commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, change
Originally published in
Staten Island Advance
on
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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A building that once served as a house of horrors for the developmentally disabled could soon be transformed into a national symbol of progress and inclusivity.
On Wednesday, the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), alongside local disability advocates and elected officials, gathered to celebrate a proposal to transform Building 29 on the former Willowbrook State School property into a Center for Learning that will recognize the historical significance of the site, which spurred massive changes to the way developmentally disabled individuals are housed and cared for across the country.
“This funding marks an important step in ensuring that my constituents, particularly those with disabilities, have access to the care and support they need to live with dignity. These improvements will lead to meaningful, life-changing advancements that will enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities, reinforcing New York’s commitment to the most vulnerable members of our community,” said State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (D-North Shore/South Brooklyn).
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