SUPPORT

Please note that intellectual and developmental disabilities were referred to in Mary and Tom McNulty’s time as “mental retardation.” The FCIDD has chosen to use the term “intellectual disabilities” wherever possible here. 

 

The FCIDD came to be because of the birth of a young man diagnosed with Down Syndrome in the 1940’s. His parents, Tom and Mary McNulty, were not willing to go with the doctors’ determination of institutionalization.  They determined that their son, Tommy McNulty, would be the poster child for “mentally retarded” children who live as close to “normal” a life as possible.  They were at the forefront of the 1960’s efforts to stop segmenting human beings who process information differently by institutionalizing them and to start learning how to better help them navigate life and be part of productive, healthy, loving society. They brought parents of I/DD children together to begin funding, advocacy, and outreach for education, research, and programming designed to ensure the inclusion of, and better understanding of reasons for, individuals suffering from an in-ability to learn or effectively communicate with others and take care of oneself. 

 

In the 76 years of its existence, the organization has funded special education in classrooms and programs, adaptive programming for inclusivity in all facets of life, and research, through the University of Alabama Birmingham Civitan International Research Center. 

 

"We must promote--to the best of our ability and by all possible and appropriate means--the mental and physical health of all our citizens." - President Kennedy, February 5, 1963

Please help us continue to ensure the sustainability of all that FCIDD supports.  Your tax-deductible donation is greatly appreciated.
 

"Together, let’s help them steer their own ship"