Parents fear scandal will be used to close institutions
March 18th, 2009
In the wake of allegations about staff-organized fights in Texas institutions, a handful of families interviewed by the Corpus Christi Caller-Times say the state schools are “the best in an imperfect world” for their children with intellectual disabilities.
They say they fear the allegations will be used to shut down the state’s institutions, and say they think a better solution would be more state funding and better working conditions.
Other advocates say the state should close the institutions and support residents in their home communities. They say some parents may oppose change because of fears that alternatives to institutional care are not available.
“That isn’t true,” said Dennis Driggers, a staff attorney for Advocacy Inc. “There are community-based alternatives that can provide appropriate care for anyone.”
See also: Another mother claims son was abused at Corpus Christi institution — MSNBC
(Corpus Christi Caller-Times photo)

