The New York State Council on Developmental Disabilities (CDD) and Office of General Services (OGS) recently took home a NY Emmy Award for their documentary “The Path Forward: Remembering Willowbrook,” in the Diversity/Equity/Inclusion – Long Form Content category. The documentary chronicles the historical significance of the former Willowbrook State School, where the College of Staten Island’s campus now resides.
The documentary was an integral part of New York State’s campaign to mark the 50th anniversary of Geraldo Rivera’s groundbreaking 1972 exposé, which shed light on the horrific conditions and abuses at Willowbrook State School, the largest institution in the world for people with disabilities at the time. Rivera’s exposé shocked the nation and forever changed the way people with disabilities were cared for and treated in New York State and beyond.
“The Path Forward: Remembering Willowbrook” highlights the importance of lessons learned and the positive change that resulted. Parts of the documentary, including interviews with individuals central to the advocacy movement, were filmed on CSI’s campus, as was the official ribbon-cutting of The Willowbrook Mile, a 12-station trail chronicling the historical significance of the Willowbrook State School on campus.
OGS Media Services team members awarded for their work on the documentary were Kathryn Schmieding, executive producer; Joseph Walsh, director; Catherine Greninger, lead motion graphic artist; John Armstrong, editor; Shamus O’Donnell, creative director; and Casey O’Donnell, producer. CDD producers, former Interim Executive Director Vicky Hiffa and CDD communications team members Regina Dalpiaz-Bulman and Drew Webster were critical in the development of the documentary.
“There is no finish line for equal rights or fair treatment, so keeping this incredible story alive is not only a privilege, but a necessity,” said Walsh, producer and director of “The Path Forward: Remembering Willowbrook.” “For many people with disabilities, places like Willowbrook represented injustice, inhumanity, and even loss of life. I am honored that our piece was recognized, but I’m most proud that it furthers our goal: highlighting the need to continue working toward equity and inclusion for all people.”
CDD Commissioner Jeanette Moy commended the documentary, stating “I encourage the public to watch and be inspired by the Willowbrook documentary. Under Governor Hochul’s administration, our state is taking the path forward to advance the rights of people with disabilities.”
The advancements have included the strengthening of person-centered support and services, enhanced employment opportunities and labor market preparation for individuals with developmental disabilities, and a multi-faceted effort to provide direct support professionals with career advancement and growth opportunities through professional credentialing and certification, training reimbursement, and bonuses.
“Many people have never heard of Willowbrook, and to keep moving forward in our advocacy work we must remember and learn from our history. This recognition can only elevate Willowbrook’s important story,” said CDD Executive Director Kristin Proud. “It is an additional honor to have those with disabilities at the center of the diversity, equity and inclusion conversation with the NY Emmy Award in the DEI category.”
The winners were announced at the New York Chapter of The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ 67th New York Annual Emmy® Awards on October 26 in New York City.
You can watch the entirety of “The Path Forward: Remembering Willowbrook” below:
