It was founded in 1877 as the Illinois Asylum for Feeble-Minded Children, became the Lincoln State School in 1954, and adopted its final name in 1975.

George Ryan after reports of abuse, neglect and preventable deaths.

[1][2] According to historian David Bakke, "conditions at the Lincoln State School were horrible; overcrowded and understaffed.

[3] According to Edwin Black, author of War Against the Weak,[4] milk from cows diseased with tuberculosis were willingly fed to the patient/residents.

A new 27,000 square foot multipurpose building will include educational, recreational, and dietary services.