EBD Blog

Here’s a snippet from a letter apparently written hearly 40 years ago that I found interesting in a lot of ways. Among the thoughts it elicited as I read it were questions about how little some things have changed. The letter was written by Marie Friedel of Warwick (RI, US) and is published now on a Web site she apparently sustains for the National Foundation for Gifted and Creative Children (apparently a private organization she founded).

I am writing in reference to the eight emotionally disturbed children who may not be retained at Bradley Hospital because of lack of state funds. There are many parents in this state very much aware of my efforts to educate all to the fact that untold numbers of children must be emotionally disturbed because of lack of special educational facilities that might have prevented these severe disturbances. It has been utterly tragic that in spite of the intensity of my attempts to be heard, I am ignored.

A perusal of Kauffman and Landrum’s recent book on the history of emotional disturbance will show how issues persist over time. In this case, not only can I wonder about ho little some things have changed since then, but also I can wonder about how some of these issues could be smashed together in such a way. Where were the editors? However, I assess it, however, it’s fascinating to see that those ideas were in the wild at that time and that Ms Friedel’s apparently still swinging at them. (Poke around the site to learn more about her and her campaigns.)

Link to Ms. Friedel’s letter (warning: frames used).