CW: Institutionalization & Lobotomization
Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s birthday was yesterday. She was the founder of the Special Olympics. Her unwavering commitment to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities transformed millions of lives.
Her legacy is often celebrated through the organization she created. Years ago, when asked if she was satisfied with all the good the organization had done, her answer was simple yet profound: “No, I’m not satisfied at all.”
She went on to explain why: “Because there are millions of people who don’t get services. They’re in orphanages. They don’t even go to school. Their parents worry about them for the rest of their lives. They’re not in Special Olympics. Millions and millions. And until we find them all—and we must find them—and we must unite—and we must tell mothers and fathers, ‘Be proud.'”
Eunice was motivated in part by her sister, Rosemary who was left with brain damage after a lobotomy at 23. Rosemary lived during a time when disabled people were largely excluded from society and did not receive an education, nor were they allowed to be part of the community. Eunice saw how the stigmatization and isolation could limit Rosemary, and therefore, she did not accept that this was how things had to be. Eunice knew that Rosemary was not someone to be ashamed of, she was another member of the family.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s work was about more than just how much the Special Olympics grew or how many athletes competed. To her, real progress meant reaching the people who were still waiting to be seen, supported, and included. That’s why her message still matters today.
In America right now, the disability community is paying close attention as lawmakers discuss the future of Medicaid and other programs that provide vital support. Cuts to Medicaid funding have advocates and families worried since these programs offer healthcare, therapy, and other home and community-based supports.
At the same time, a recent Department of Justice memo has raised questions among the disability community about how federal enforcement of disability rights might change. Specifically, whether disabled people will continue to be supported to live in their communities rather than in institutions. For those who have spent years fighting for inclusion, independence, and dignity, the timing of these discussions feels especially tense.
These discussions often focus on budgets, rules, and government priorities. But for people, it’s personal. It’s about a child needing therapy, an adult wanting to live independently, and parents concerned about their children’s futures.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver knew that behind every policy are real people and families. She believed progress shouldn’t be measured only by past achievements. Instead, she looked at those still left out, those who were excluded from schools, services, and opportunities, and challenged society to reach them. Her message wasn’t just about creating programs; it was about creating a sense of belonging.
When she said, “We must tell mothers and fathers, ‘Be proud,'” she was challenging generations of stigma surrounding disability. She was telling people not to see their disabled family members as problems that needed to be fixed or as people to be hidden away.
In fact, they were people who should have the opportunity to be part of the world instead of being segregated from it. The same message is a great indicator of how far we have come.
Politicians will keep talking about spending and government oversight. These discussions are inevitable. However, Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s legacy reminds us to remember the people whose lives are behind every discussion and decision.
Sources:
Broderick, Timmy. “Why Medicaid Cuts Could Be a ‘crisis’ for People with Disabilities.” STAT, Boston Globe Media, 3 Jan. 2025, http://www.statnews.com/2025/01/06/trump-medicaid-cuts-could-hurt-people-with-disabilities/.
“Happy Birthday, Eunice Kennedy Shriver.” YouTube, uploaded by Special Olympics, 10 July 2026, http://www.youtube.com/shorts/JcrFPwgl2Fo.
Henley, Jon. “The Forgotten Kennedy.” The Guardian, 12 Aug. 2009, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/aug/13/eunice-kennedy-shriver-rosemary-kennedy.
Larson, Kate Clifford. Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter. Mariner Books / Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2016.
Lynch, Sarah N. “States Aren’t Required to Provide Community-Based Care for People with Disabilities, New DOJ Opinion Claims.” CBS News, 18 June 2026, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/doj-disability-opinion-community-care/.
Musso, Anthony. “After ‘Botched Lobotomy,’ Rosemary Kennedy Lived in Cottage at Beacon Psych Hospital.” Poughkeepsie Journal, 9 Oct. 2018, https://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/story/news/2018/10/09/after-debilitating-lobotomy-rosemary-kennedy-lived-beacon/1527230002/.