Collected Papers of Margaret Bancroft - On Mental Subnormality and the Care and Training of Mentally Subnormal Children #232121

Margaret Bancroft was a pioneer in the field of education for mentally subnormal children. At the time that she began her work these children were rarely given any special training. In fact but little attention was paid even to their proper housing and care. The problem, like many of the social problems of the day, had existed for generations without attracting attention. Society had not yet awakened to its importance.<br><br>To hasten this awakening was one of Miss Bancroft's dearest aims. She understood subnormal children as few others have ever understood them; she saw their helplessness, their utter need, and she was filled with a great zeal to make the world see the problem as she saw it. She preached the gospel of freedom for subnormal children, freedom from neglect and contempt, freedom from inadequate teaching, freedom from physical defects and disabilities. This was her cause; she made herself its champion, and for this championship she will be chiefly remembered.<br><br>The following papers by Miss Bancroft have been gathered together in the belief that their publication in the form of a little book will be welcome to many.