Debating Expected Closing of 5 Insitutions in N.J.

TRENTON — Anticipating action soon on a controversial bill that calls for closing five of the seven institutions for people with developmental disabilities, hundreds of families, disabled people and state and private workers Friday appeared before a special legislative panel to debate the future without these facilities.
Some who used to live in these institutions, also known as developmental centers, pleaded with legislators to allow more people to leave and lead more independent lives.
But there was equally emotional testimony from parents who argue their disabled children are safer and better cared for at the developmental centers, where employees are better compensated and trained and have established relationships with their clients.