The infamous Willowbrook State School was a state-supported institution for children with intellectual disabilities located in the Willowbrook neighborhood on Staten Island from 1947 until 1987.

The school was designed for 4,000, but by 1965, it had exceeded a population of 6,000. The institution gained national infamy in 1972 when Geraldo Rivera's exposé on the conditions and questionable medical practices at Willowbrook was released.

Public outcry led to its closure, and federal civil rights legislation protecting people with disabilities, as well.

As an advocate for New Yorkers with disabilities, City Council Minority Leader Joe Borelli discusses the tragedy at Willowbrook and how its shaped policy for people with developmental disabilities.

Borelli, who represents District 51, also explains how the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted children with disabilities and their families, and what the city council is doing to protect the city's most vulnerable children. 

Additionally, Borelli talks about what more needs to be done to ensure students don’t lose critical developmental services.