On February 2, 1972, Geraldo Rivera’s exposé, “Willowbrook: The Last Great Disgrace,” shocked the nation with vivid footage of abuse, neglect, and overcrowding. Senator Robert F. Kennedy famously described the institution as a “snake pit.” The public outrage triggered significant legal action: parents filed a class-action lawsuit that ultimately led to a landmark consent decree for institutional reform and contributed to later disability rights legislation — including the Americans with Disabili

In 1972, Geraldo Rivera produced an exposé on the Willowbrook State School in Staten Island, shocking the nation and forever changing the treatment of people with disabilities in the state and across the country. Join WMHT this Friday at 8PM EST for the 50th anniversary airing of The Path Forward: Remembering Willowbrook, right after New York NOW's premiere special Revisiting Willowbrook at 7:30PM featuring producer Shantel Destra. Watch both this Friday night on-air, online, or on the free PBS