The Building Feasibility Study subseries (0.3 linear feet, 1990-1990) concerns a study conducted by the Michigan Department of Mental Health in order to analyze facility needs to support state mental health services. This subseries contains correspondence regarding the study, the executive summary and background information of the study, as well as the many reports conducted in relation to the study.
The Community Living/Group Homes subseries (3.4 linear feet, 1975-2003) details issues involved with helping those who are developmentally disabled assimilate into community settings and the push-back from communities against group homes. This subseries includes litigation involving group home cases, research papers, newspaper clippings, notes taken by Bauer, correspondence, testimonies by Bauer regarding the issue, surveys and reports, and informational booklets and resource guides.
The Deinstitutionalization subseries (1 linear foot, 1973-2012) details the issue of the closure of state mental health institutions, particularly those associated with the state of Michigan. This subseries contains newspaper clippings, correspondence, reports, public hearings, and photographs, as well as information regarding the shut-downs of specific state institutions and the transfer of patients.
The History of Disability Rights subseries (.75 linear feet, 1973-2014) contains materials related to the evolution of disability rights and advocacy in the United States. It includes presentation materials; notes; articles and other publications; and summaries written by both Bauer and others.
The Mental Disability and the Law subseries (0.4 linear feet, 1969-2012) contains materials relating to the history of law relating to mental disability. Included in this subseries are reports, legislative correspondence, the Michigan Bar Journal, court cases, and disability laws.