Ed Orzechowski

"You'll like it here."

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Judge, 27th AnnualWriter's Digest Self-Published Book Awards:

Graphic descriptions of the abuse suffered at the hands of those who were supposed to be looking out for [patients’] welfare. Disturbing, gritty, realistic, and precise. Portrays [Donald’s] human spirit and determination to resist being crushed and tossed aside as if his life didn’t matter.

This book is a cautionary tale for advocates and caregivers, as the first-hand accounts and memories are lost to death. Very soon, the only link we will have to the lessons of the past will be works like You’ll like it here. As direct care evolves, it is my hope that Ed's work and writings will help caregivers avoid repeating the sins of the past. --David Vitkus

Reviews

Writer's Digest

Video Links

PBS: Connecting Point Interview with Donald and Ed

https://youtu.be/ENCJ7oIfDgw

Be My Guest, Upton MA Public Access TV

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZyspXIqnZg&feature=youtu.be

Titticut Follies, 1967 documentary by Frederick Wiseman about Bridgewater State Hospital in Massachusetts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgT6FC_Nnac

"They Need Love, They Get Angry, They Bleed" WTIC TV documentary

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTDzEmB7yNA#action=share

Purgatory: Historical Analysis of Belchertown State School, Northampton Community TV, by Jeromie Whalen--includes interview with Donald Vitkus

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZS-kA_4CzNY&t=3s

The COFAR Voice January 2020

https://cofar1.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/voice_january-2020.pdf

Ed Orzechowski receives Ricci honor

Ed Orzechowski, a former COFAR vice president, accepted the 2019 Dr. Benjamin Ricci Commemorative Award in March 2019, and called for the establishment of a “lasting memorial” at the former Belchertown State School.

The annual Ricci award celebration recognizes the accomplishments of individuals served by the Department of Developmental Ser vices, and the dedication of caregivers and advocates.

Orzechowski authored “You’ll Like it Here,” a gripping book published in 2016 about the life of Donald Vitkus, a one-time resident of the former Belchertown State School.

Orzechowski’s book chronicled Vitkus’s childhood in the 1950s at Belchertown, which was then notori- ous for its inhumane and unsanitary conditions. The book also described Vitkus’s battle throughout the rest of his life to come to terms with his past at Belchertown. Vitkus, who died in January 2018, received the Ricci award posthumously that year.

In calling for the establishment of a “lasting memorial” at the former state school, Orzechowski proposed the establishment of a museum on the grounds, and a memorial, a place for archives, and photos and exhibits.

In addition to serving for many years on COFAR’s Board, Orzechowski was president of the Advocacy Network, a former advocacy organization for the developmentally disabled in western Massachusetts. The Ricci award is named for Ben Ricci, the original plaintiff in the landmark federal class action lawsuit, Ricci v. Okin, which brought about upgrades in care at Belchertown and other Massachusetts facilities.