The Beginning of Nazi Systematic Killings: Targeting People with Disabilities

Three weeks before 19-year-old Walter Lauer was murdered by doctors and nurses because of his medical condition, he sent a letter to his parents saying, “When the war is over, the veil of these institutions will also be lifted, and perhaps some will then see the light.” 

Join Illinois Holocaust Museum for a powerful professional development experience that equips educators to bring this often-overlooked history into their classrooms. Through the story of German teenager Walter Lauer, who had epilepsy, participants will trace the development and trajectory of Operation T4, the Nazi program to murder people with disabilities, certain medical conditions, and others deemed “unworthy of life.” 

Using primary source documents that are ready for classroom use, educators will gain the knowledge, tools, and confidence to teach about the Nazi persecution and murder of people with disabilities and help students “see the light,” as Walter Lauer had hoped. 

Workshop Includes:

• 1.5 CPDU Hours
• Ready to Use Classroom Resources