Waiting for Home: The Richard Prangley Story
Born prematurely in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1949, Richard Prangley possibly suffered brain damage during the difficult delivery. He was a very active, often uncontrollable and disruptive small child, and after 6 years his parents reluctantly sent him to the Coldwater State Home and Training Center, where he remained 15 years. In his admission evaluation, he was given a lower rating than was probably justified, one that meant that he received no schooling and insufficient care. He was also frequently beaten and sodomized. When Prangley was finally freed because he had developed excellent work habits and had calmed down, he could neither read nor write but made the most of several lucky breaks and his own persistence and persuasive abilities. He came to know and advise several Michigan governors and other powerful figures, and appearances on local and national television brought him renown. Refusing to make a career out of being a victim and always advocating better mental health care, Prangley has accomplished much. This is his story--quite a story.William Beatty