The rights of people with mental disabilities

"People with mental disabilities have, over the years, suffered degradation and endured stigma. They have had to face the scorn and even fear of their fellow human beings, and as recently as the 1920s were considered a "blight on mankind" and "a parasitic predatory class." The movement for the rights of people with mental disabilities has, fortunately, brought about massive changes in the law and in attitude. While the struggle has been arduous and is far from over, significant progress has been made to establish and protect their rights. In this completely revised and updated ACLU handbook the authors use a simple question-and-answer format to clearly and concisely explain the rights of people with mental illness and mental retardation" -- Back cover.