COLUMN: Providing jobs for the mentally disabled

From Todd Wise's, "Where Lovely Mermaids Flow," Fall '99 From Todd Wise's, "Where Lovely Mermaids Flow," Fall '99Dr. Marvin Rosen has worked at the Elwyn Center since 1963. And since 1963, he has been motivating countless mentally disabled individuals. Since 1969, Elwyn and Penn have forged a relationship to help adults with physical and mental disabilities find work in the University's dining and custodial services departments. In addition, West Philadelphia businesses such as McDonald's, Burger King, Pep Boys and Presbyterian Hospital hire Elwyn students. Through their working relationship with Elwyn, Penn and these West Philadelphia businesses help contribute to Elwyn's ultimate goal: To dispel the myth that mental disability precludes an individual from being a vital member of society. That has not always been Elwyn's goal. The center was founded in 1852 to provide for "shelter, instruction and the improvement of mentally retarded children." And by the early twentieth century, Elwyn was placing its emphasis on manual training. Classes in printing, weaving and basketry were part of the turn-of-the-century practical Elwyn curriculum. But that modern attitude toward the mentally disabled vanished in the 1920s and 1930s. During that dark era, the center's philosophy was based on the principles of the Eugenics movement. Out of sight and out of mind, the institutionalized at Elwyn were treated like animals. They were castrated and dubbed "feeble-minded." They were given no hope for improvement, let alone the chance to find productive employment. It was not until the 1960s that Elwyn moved again toward training the mentally disabled rather than institutionalizing them. The civil rights movement and its emphasis on equality and opportunities for improvement led to President Kennedy's Panel on Mental Retardation, which recommended the Mental Retardation Construction Act, the expansion of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act and the establishment of special education programs. Elwyn followed suit. Since the 1960s, the Elwyn Center has continued its emphasis on placing its students in real world jobs. With an emphasis on services such as laundry or kitchen work, Elwyn helps train individuals for practical occupations. If you hadn't noticed that Penn employs a whole range of Elwyn workers until you read this column, it is because Rosen has done his job well. The Elwyn Center, however, does not exclusively focus on job training. Elwyn has always been concerned with touching all aspects of its students' lives. Specifically, there is a large emphasis on recreation. Rosen is proud of the photographs of Elwyn students participating in summer recreation leagues. He wears a gigantic smile when he looks at pictures of the old Elwyn stables. Aside from recreation, Elwyn participates in the national Best Buddies College program. Penn students are paired with Elwyn students and through the program they are able to share each other's life experiences. And together, they have a good time. Typically, Penn students talk to their Elwyn buddies once a week. Last month, there were Halloween festivities. Just this past Sunday, there was a carnival in High Rise East's rooftop lounge. As we head into the next century, Elwyn is expanding. The program covers both coasts of the U.S. and has international programs in Israel, Albania and the Ukraine. Rosen recognizes how important it is that Penn has embraced Elwyn. But I see it differently. What an honor for Penn to be affiliated with such a wonderful organization.

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