The Fernald School: Caring for the Developmentally Disabled

The Fernald School outside Boston was America's first public facility for the developmentally disabled. It still cares for people who were at one time classified as idiots, simpletons, and fools. Filmmaker Bill Rogers' new documentary examines the ways the facility puts the issue of funding front and center. We'll explore the state of Fernald today and Bill's family’s personal connection to the place.

The film Front Wards, Back Wards is part of the New Hampshire Film Festival and airs October 23 on WGBH-TV. Hosted by Liz Bulkley.