Illinois Asylum for Feeble-Minded Children (Ill.)

Lincoln Developmental Center, an Illinois state developmental center for mentally handicapped children, was initially established (1865) by Illinois Institution for the Education of the Deaf and Dumb directors instructed by the General Assembly to found an Experimental School for the Instruction and Training of Idiots and Feeble-Minded Children in the State of Illinois at Jacksonville. Following a five year trial period, the school was incorporated as the Illinois Institution for the Education of Feeble-Mined Children (1871). Plans for a permanent Lincoln school location were begun in 1875, but the facility did not open until 1878. Additional name changes have included the Illinois Asylum for Feeble-Minded Children (1877-1909); Lincoln State School and Colony ((1909-1953); Lincoln State School (1953-1975); and Lincoln Developmental Center (1975-). Administrative responsibility for the school has belonged to the Board of State Commissioners of Public Charities (1871-1909); Board of Administration (1909-1917); Dept. of Public Welfare (1917-1961); Dept. of Mental Health (1961-1975); and Dept. of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (1975- ).