The Sub-Normal Children’s Welfare Association of New South Wales (SNCWA) was formed around 1946 by a group of parents whose children had intellectual disabilities. The group first called themselves the Society for the Welfare of Mental Deficients, then changed it to the Psycho-Care Society, before settling on the title Sub-Normal Children’s Welfare Association. By 1962, three dozen branches of the SNCWA had formed across NSW, providing schools, accommodation and permanent residential care for children and adults. The Sub-Normal Children’s Welfare Association (NSW) changed its name to Challenge Foundation NSW in 1984.
‘Subnormal’ or ‘subnormality’ was a term used to describe children and adults with intellectual disabilities, including learning difficulties. It was used by people to describe ‘mental deficiency’ or ‘feeble-mindedness’ and was popular in psychology.
From
1946
To
1984
Alternative Names
Society for the Welfare of Mental Deficients
Psycho-Care Society
SNCWA
Subsequent