California plans to close institution for people with disabilities
February 2nd, 2010Families are fearful. Unions promise to fight.
From the Los Angeles Times, San Gabriel Valley Tribune:
California officials this week announced plans to close one of the state’s largest institutions for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Lanterman Developmental Center in Pomona houses 400 people on 302 acres, and employs more than 1,300 people. “It’s just not economical for us to continue it,” said Terri Delgadillo, director of the state Department of Developmental Services.
State officials promised to arrange for residents to get proper care in community-based settings. Family members expressed dismay, saying they feared their loved ones would not be adequately cared for if they left Lanterman.
“It’s devastating for us,” said one woman, whose brother has lived at the institution since 1969. “People like Bobby are more confined in the community. At least [at Lanterman] he can wander the grounds safely.”
The closure requires approval from the state legislature. More than 2,000 people remain in California institutions.
Related story: Toxic Rosewood raises ire, by Jennifer Bishop in the Baltimore Brew
A Maryland state senator has sent a mass email to his constituents warning them that the site of the former Rosewood Center is now considered a dangerous environmental and health hazard. The institution for people with disabilities was closed last year.
Disability advocates reacted angrily. An excerpt:
“The State’s assessment found Rosewood to be so dangerous as to recommend that no one trespass on the property,” said Cristy Marchand, executive director of the ARC of Maryland. “The real question is the response that will be made to the hundreds of children and adults with developmental disabilities whose health was threatened by toxic conditions while living for decades at Rosewood Center.”
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February 11th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Its time for the parents of CA to realize that if the state fully funds the community based system, they will be better off in the long run! It is not worth fighting over closing an institution. They need to fight over cuts to home care and medicaid waiver so that there is money for people to live in the community! Inclusion is a birth right, not a privilege. Institutions cost more $$$$$$$$.