Syracuse Developmental Center Audiovisual History Files

Statement on Language

Some content in this finding aid may contain offensive terminology. For more information on why this language is occasionally retained, see: New York State Archives Statement on Harmful Language in Descriptive Resources.

Overview of the Records

Repository
New York State Archives
222 Madison Avenue
Albany, NY 12230
Summary
These files include photographs, slides, audio and videotapes, brochures, and scrapbooks that depict operations at Syracuse Developmental Center and its predecessor, the Syracuse State School. Included are images of Special Olympics; celebrations and achievements of patients and employees; educational health programs produced by staff for the public; and promotional and fundraising materials. Efforts to improve services for the developmentally disabled at Syracuse Developmental Center are documented, as well.
Title
Syracuse Developmental Center audiovisual history files
Quantity
30.5 cubic feet
Inclusive Dates
Series Number
B1639
Creator
Arrangement

Arranged in 9 subseries: Subseries 1, Audiotapes and Scripts of "Kids and Health" Weekly Radio Show, 1986-1990; Subseries 2, Audiotapes of SDC Sponsored Programs, 1990; Subseries 3, Audio Files and Documents used in SDC Programs, ca. 1979-1990; Subseries 4, Promotional Video Tapes, 1987-1994; Subseries 5, Slides and Slide Shows of SDC Daily Activities, ca.1974-1994; Subseries 6, Photographs of Staff and Student Daily Activities, ca. 1970s-1990s; Subseries 7, Photo Albums Documenting SDC Events, ca. 1976-1980,; Subseries 8, Contact Sheets of Daily SDC Activities, ca. 1970s-1990s; Subseries 9, Motion Picture Films of SDC Events and Residents, 1976-1980; Subseries 10, Normalization Movement, 1971-2005.

Subseries 1:Audiotapes are arranged roughly numerically; scripts are unarranged.

Subseries 2:Roughly chronological by month.

Subseries 3, 4, and 9:Roughly chronological.

Subseries 5: Bound volumes are by topic or activity; unbound slides are unarranged; slide shows are chronological.

Subseries 6: Arranged by subject or topic.

Subseries 7: Arranged in albums, roughly chronological or by subject, activity, or program.

Subseries 8: Mounted in eight binders, in no apparent order.

Administrative History

The Syracuse State School was renamed the Syracuse Developmental Center (SDC) in 1973. It provided institutional services for persons with mental retardation and developmental disabilities requiring the most intensive level of care. The Syracuse Developmental Disabilities Services Office (SDDSO) was one of a statewide network of Developmental Disabilities Services Offices (DDSOs) that provided programs and services for the care, treatment, rehabilitation, education, and training of the mentally retarded and developmentally disabled. In 1995, the Rome and Syracuse DDSOs merged to become the Central New York DDSO. Three years later, in 1998, the Syracuse Developmental Center closed.

Scope and Content Note

The series consists of photographic prints and negatives, slide transparencies, synchronized slide shows (with audio tapes and scripts), audio tapes and videotapes, copies of brochures, and scrap books that document patients, employees, programs, and facilities of the Syracuse Developmental Center (SDC), formerly the Syracuse State School.

B1651Series B1651, Syracuse State School Training, Staffing, and Employee Relations Records, contains additional training records created by the Syracuse State School.

Other Finding Aids

B1639-99: Container list is available at the repository.

Access Restrictions

Access is restricted in part in accordance with Mental Hygiene Law, Section 33.13, relating to confidentiality of clinical records. Access is permitted under certain conditions upon approval by the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.

Subseries 9, Motion Picture Films of SDC Events and Residents, is restricted due to fragility, pending reformatting.

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