Disability History Fact: Helen Jane Rehbein Farabee

Helen Jane Rehbein Farabee (1934 – 1988) has long been recognized as a passionate advocate for people with mental and developmental disabilities. Born and raised in Wisconsin, she met her husband, Ray Farabee of Wichita Falls, Texas, through her student government work. During her husband’s time in the military and his work on his law degree, Ms. Farabee served as assistant dean of women at the University of Texas and worked with the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health. When the couple moved to Wichita Falls, she became active in the local MHMR board and the Wichita Falls State Hospital. By 1965, she had broadened her activities to a statewide focus and worked with future lieutenant governor William P. Hobby, Jr., in encouraging the state legislature to establish the state agency known today as the Texas Department of State Health Services. She later served as president of the Texas Mental Health Association and director-at-large of the National Association of Mental Health. She also was appointed to the Public Committee on Mental Health by First Lady Rosalyn Carter. She chaired the State Mental Health Code Task Force which culminated its work in the revision of the Texas mental health code. The revised code was signed by Governor Mark White and became effective in 1983. Ms. Farabee was inducted into the Texas Women's Hall of Fame in 1985. After her death in 1988, several special memorials were established, including the Helen Farabee Patient Education Scholarship at the Austin State Hospital; the Helen J. Farabee Public Policy Fellowships for graduate students, offered by the Texas Mental Health Association; and the Helen Farabee Award of the United Way.

Adapted from:

Debbie Mauldin Cottrell, "FARABEE, HELEN JANE REHBEIN," Handbook of Texas Online (http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/ffa33), accessed September 27, 2013. Published by the Texas State Historical Association