On Monday, June 13 the Aspire Political Action Team sponsored a presentation by Henry Wesley. Henry began his presentation with a documentary of what Willowbrook Institution was like and how it was shut down. He then shared what his life was like at Willowbrook - he had little interaction with people, no way to communicate and no way to get around for many years. After Willowbrook closed, Henry moved to Letchworth Village and to many other homes in the greater NY area. Finally he moved to a home in Busti. Henry now resides in the Jamestown area with his wife Jean and has a busy life. He was able to hire his own staff, has furniture that is easily accessible to those in wheelchairs, is able to communicate with a Dynavox and he is writing his own book. He also participates in Aspire's iXpress Art program where he is proud of the attention his work receives as many pieces are chosen for the auctions. Henry wants everyone to know that we can never go back to the days of Willowbrook and encourages all to be advocates for persons with disabilities. If we forget history, we could live it again. It would be a crime for a place like Willowbrook to ever exist again. 

If you get the chance to hear Henry's story, it will be something you won't forget.