Sherwood was started in 1957 by eight families of children with disabilities who were excluded from a public education. Together, they created Sherwood to prove that their children not only had the right, but the ability to learn. People with disabilities were segregated and isolated due to the societal expectation that they would be cared for out of the public eye; they were in effect considered 2nd class citizens and deemed incompetent without any rights. While society has advanced significantly in the past 61 years, current education and employment statistics throughout our state and country are not reflective of a truly inclusive community for people with disabilities. Sherwood creates an inclusive society where children and adults with disabilities have the ability to live full, independent lives as a part of their community.