Lovely Laurie Lorraine Rettie, 1954 ~ 1969
Founder, Robin Rettie, has established LLR in honor of her sister, Laurie Lorraine Rettie (LLR), who died in 1969 in Willowbrook State School; a state-supported institution for developmentally disabled children. Located in the remote area of central Staten Island in New York City, residents experienced unethical and inhumane treatment that went on unchecked for years. The school gained notoriety in the 1960s when Robert Kennedy toured Willowbrook claiming it wasn't fit for animals and called it a snake pit. Then in 1972, a young upcoming journalist, Geraldo Rivera, publicized unethical medical studies, horrific living circumstances, and conditions of abuse earning him the Peabody Award for his distinguished broadcasting of, Willowbrook: The Last Disgrace. In response to Rivera's report and public outcry, three years later the very first law protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities, Public Law 94-142, Education of All Handicapped Children Act, was passed in 1975.
A little over three decades later, the progress that has been made on behalf of individuals with disABILITIES has been slow at best. LLR's goal is to continually watch over individuals with disABILITES through a variety of useful measures as we strive to be the hands, feet, and voice of those in the past, the present, and the future.
I am forever thankful to Dr. Michael Wiklins, Bernard Carabello, & Geraldo Rivera for their successful efforts to bring about change. For information about Willowbrook State School, visit the site below.
S.E.A.S. Special Education Assistance Services
S.E.A.S., Special Education Assistance Services, is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization established exclusively for the purpose of supporting families in the area of Advocacy, Social Skills & Vocational Training through charitable contributions.
Certificate of Formation # 335219528
If you wish to make a donation to support a family in need, please visit S.E.A.S. website to make a donation, http://www.seas-special-education-assistance-services.org/
Even the smallest contribution can make a big significance. The families you help are grateful!
We are blessed and honored to be a guiding light to the families we serve. It is our privilege to assist you and your very special child.
Thank you for visiting our site!