As detailed below, hearings held between 1968-1972 covered various aspects of the care and education of mostly children with either mental or physical handicaps. There was a shortage of certified teachers, very little handicapped access, transportation problems, costs and lack of materials. These problems to be solved were all part of the transition from institutional care to mainstreaming within local communities. History of bills introduced to the legislature were researched to try to determine which ones had been helpful and what new bills would be of benefit to introduce. Re-codification of the Mental Hygiene law was discussed both in 1969 and 1970. In 1970, more emphasis was put on services for handicapped people of all ages and services for rehabilitation centers and other facilities. The rehabilitation hospital at West Haveristraw, N.Y. was specifically mentioned and the continued support of this facility by Helen Hayes. The hospital was named after her in 1974. In early 1968, a series of three hearings were held in Brooklyn, Plattsburgh, and Niagara Falls representing city, suburban and rural populations. The series outlines many problems for special education. There is a continuing certified teacher shortage, lack of handicapped access to classrooms and other facilities, and transportation issues for disabled who are employed. It was also noted that laws should be tightened so that funds are used only for purposes intended. Parents were not satisfied with the system. Certified teachers, costs and materials were the major factors. This collection includes transcripts of the hearings. In October and November 1968, in order to determine what new legislation to introduce, the Committee researched bills that would benefit the disabled, brought before the legislature during the past ten years, whether they were passed or not. In a March 1969 hearing, witnesses supported the Committee's program for the year. The Committee held a hearing in May, 1969 in order to find the range of community problems with mental hygiene, mental retardation, cerebral palsy and other related handicaps. On November 12, November 19, and December 3, 1969, hearings were held to obtain ideas for the legislative program for mental health for 1970. The collection includes transcripts of these hearings. On September 16 and October 1, 22, 1969 and January 1970, a series of hearings were held to hear testimony of interested organizations and individuals concerning the proposed bill for re-codification of the Mental Hygiene Law. Again in November and December 1970, a series of three public hearings were held to obtain more ideas and suggestions on re-codification. The collection includes transcripts of all these hearings. In the autumn of 1970, the Committee held four public hearings throughout the State. Recommendations for further legislation that would assist handicapped persons of all ages in both public and private service agencies were received in Niagara Falls on September 18, Albany on September 28, New York on October 13 and Selden, Long Island on October 14. The collection includes only a transcript for the hearing held on October 13, 1970. The other transcripts of hearings mentioned above were not found. November 9, 1971 - New City, N.Y., This hearing was chaired by Senator Dalwin J. Niles. It is about the service to handicapped people at the Rehabilitation Hospital in West Havistraw, N.Y. Helen Hayes spoke at this hearing. She was appointed to the Board of Visitors in 1944. She was a tireless champion and vocal advocate on the hospital's behalf and in recognition of her efforts, the hospital was renamed in her honor in 1974. Some witnesses submitted more substantial printed testimony than their oral testimony. The collection includes a transcript of the hearing and the submitted testimony. February 16,17,1972 - Albany, N.Y., The principal concern at this two-part hearing is the delivery of services at institutions for facilities administered by the State Department of Mental Hygiene. The collection includes a transcript of the hearing. Before any of the hearings listed above, on June 6, 1967, the Committee and the advisors had a meeting to talk about the program for the next year. The hearings above reflect these plans.
