ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Walter E. Fernald State School

The Walter E. Fernald State School was a place where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities used to live. It was like a big community where these people were taken care of, taught new skills, and provided with medical care.

It was called a "state school" because it was run by the government. Back in the old days, people with disabilities were often kept away from the rest of society, which meant they had fewer choices and opportunities to live a happy and fulfilling life.

The Walter E. Fernald State School was one of the oldest in the country, and it started its operations in the late 1800s. It was named after a man named Walter E. Fernald, who was a famous psychologist and a pioneer in the field of special education.

Initially, the state school was meant to be a place where people could learn and be cared for, but over the years, it became more like a prison, with residents being mistreated and neglected by some of the staff members.

Eventually, the school closed down in the 21st century, and many people with disabilities now live in more modern and community-based settings, where they have more opportunities to participate in society and live their lives to the fullest.