Devil's Playground: Unveiling the Secrets of the Abandoned School

Paul A. Dever State School, also known as the Paul A. Dever School, was a state-run institution for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities located in Taunton, Massachusetts, United States. The school was named in honor of Paul A. Dever, who served as the governor of Massachusetts from 1949 to 1953. Established in 1951, the Paul A. Dever State School was part of a larger movement to address the care and treatment of individuals with disabilities. During this era, institutions were seen as a solution to provide housing, education, and medical care for individuals who were considered unable to function in society. The original purpose of the school was to provide residential and educational services to children and adults with various intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those with profound cognitive impairments. It aimed to offer a supportive and structured environment that would enable individuals to acquire basic skills and receive necessary care. Over the years, the school underwent several expansions to accommodate the growing number of residents. It became a self-contained community with its own infrastructure, including residential cottages, educational facilities, medical services, and recreational areas. The staff at Paul A. Dever State School included a wide range of professionals, such as teachers, nurses, psychologists, and social workers, who worked collaboratively to meet the needs of the residents. In the late 20th century, the concept of institutionalizing individuals with disabilities began to change. Society started to recognize the importance of community-based care and individualized support. This shift in philosophy led to a decline in the population of state institutions like Paul A. Dever State School. By the 1990s, the institution faced increasing criticism for its outdated practices and overcrowding. Concerns were raised about the quality of care and the residents' overall well-being. As a result, Massachusetts, like many other states, initiated a deinstitutionalization process to transition individuals with disabilities into community-based settings. In 2002, the Paul A. Dever State School officially closed its doors, marking the end of an era. The remaining residents were relocated to community-based programs and smaller residential settings, ensuring a more individualized approach to their care. Since its closure, the site of the Paul A. Dever State School has remained largely abandoned. The buildings and grounds stand as a reminder of the institutionalization era in the care of individuals with disabilities. Today, discussions continue regarding the potential future use of the property and its historical significance.