Walter Fernald, the subject of Alex Green's biography 'A Perfect Turmoil,' played a crucial dual role in the development of special education while grappling with his eugenicist beliefs. As the head of the Massachusetts School for the Feeble-Minded, Fernald revolutionized the approach to teaching disabled children and sought to create a nurturing environment. His life story serves as a moral fable, reflecting the broader societal attitudes towards disabilities and emphasizing the importance of dignity for disabled individuals today, highlighting the intricate balance between aid and ideology.
"Walter Fernald started as a compassionate figure trying to help the disabled, but his journey reveals the complexity of his role in special education's evolution."
"Fernald was pivotal in shaping special education, despite his early association with eugenics and his evolving understanding of the dignity of disabled people."
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