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Long-term institutionalization in psychiatric institutions peaks.

1953

The Story of Disability Justice
MHP
DCRJ

In 1953, the number of people institutionalized reaches a peak at 559,000. Many of the people institutionalized are from poor, Black, and Brown communities. The frequency of institutionalization is founded in the false belief that anyone with developmental disabilities, cognitive impairments, and significant mental health struggles do not have the capacity to make decisions for themselves. All admissions are, therefore, involuntary. Because many institutions are private, families can institutionalize family members on their behalf.