UNMC will host a screening of the documentary “Valuing Lives: Wolf Wolfensberger and the Principle of Normalization,” at 5 p.m. Feb. 23 in the Durham Research Center Auditorium.
Wolf Wolfensberger, Ph.D., was a researcher at the former Nebraska Psychiatric Institute from 1964 to 1971, and a faculty member in the department of psychiatry of what would become UNMC, during his time here. Over the course of his career, he became a world-renowned advocate for, and expert on, the care of persons with developmental disabilities.
In 1999, he was selected by representatives of seven major organizations as one of 35 individuals worldwide who had the greatest impact on persons with developmental disabilities in the 20th century.
During a period when the people with developmental disabilities were routinely shifted off to institutions, literally cast off from society, he recognized their humanity. He insisted they be treated as citizens, as people. He realized that not only could they benefit from living in regular society, they could contribute to that society.
The UNMC McGoogan Library of Medicine now houses Dr. Wolfensberger’s papers.
“It was here that his career began so I find it fitting that his legacy rests with us,” said Cameron Boettcher, the McGoogan Library archivist who is in charge of UNMC’s Wolfensberger collection.
Dr. Wolfensberger’s legacy will have a light shone on it in the 56-minute documentary by filmmaker Jerry Smith.
A panel discussion will be held after the film with Jo Massarelli and Susan Thomas, who both worked with Dr. Wolfensberger at Syracuse University.
Refreshments will be provided. Parking will be available in the garage at the corner of Emile and 45th streets.
Someone might want to correct the typos in Dr. Wolfensberger's name in the second and sixth paragraphs of this news item.
Magnificent!! Would so like to obtain a copy of the documentary!! How?? My best. bill bronston, MD
Although we're excited to see Dr. Wolfensberger's work being highlighted, it seems ironic that the writer is not using People First language to refer to individuals with developmental disabilities. Words are powerful tools in changing perceptions. Here's a good resource on People First language https://www.thearc.org/who-we-are/media-center/people-first-language
The language in the article has been corrected.