Studies Show Community Care Is Viable

Case studies across the country have shown that residents of institutions can be successfully moved into smaller settings in the community in most states, according to a court brief filed last week on behalf of national and international academic and advocacy organizations. They include American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and the Association of University Centers on Disabilities.

Editorial: Placing People Ahead of Finances

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- We are firmly on record advocating that Illinois move away from its reliance on large institutions to house the developmentally disabled.
Housing people with developmental disabilities in large facilities is an antiquated, expensive and, most importantly, ineffective way of allowing the disabled to live the fullest and most productive lives possible. By and large, advocates for the developmentally disabled favor providing residential care in residential settings — group homes with six or fewer residents supervised by a properly trained staff.

Illinois Legislators Question Institutions

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Three state representatives Wednesday night assured advocates for people with disabilities their voices will be heard if they speak in unison about the need to close more of the state’s eight institutional housing facilities for people with disabilities.
And advocates say they’re ready to band together and contact legislators about the benefits they say the state could realize if more institutions are closed.

Before Angry Crowd, N.J. Health Services Official Says Vineland Center Will Close

VINELAND, N.J. — State Department of Human Services Commissioner Jennifer Velez defended the proposed closing of the Vineland Developmental Center on Tuesday, testifying before a hostile crowd at a public hearing on the issue.
Velez had to stop her testimony a few times as people in the crowd booed her, made catcalls and sometimes shouted "liar."

An Historic Day in Jordan

One of the most exciting days not only in Jordan but also in New York City, for the staff of the YAI Network. Yes, this is one of those times where I get to toot our own horn. It couldn't have happened without the support of High Royal Highness Prince Ra'ad bin Zeid, the staff of the Higher Council for the Affairs of Persons with Disabilities, and the USAID.

AMMAN, Jordan -- HRH Prince Raad, president of the Higher Council for Affairs of Persons with Disabilities (HCD), on Wednesday inaugurated two group homes for 12 citizens with intellectual disabilities in Zuhom, Karak.
The homes, which were modelled to suit their residents’ needs, are the first of such developments at the national and regional levels, according to an HCD statement e-mailed to The Jordan Times.
"To provide our citizens with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to live independently is an historic national and regional milestone," Prince Raad said at the inauguration ceremony, noting that this realisation "has long been a personal dream of mine.".
He added that the project is a living example of social responsibility and sound planning between the HCD, the Ministry of Social Development and the YAI Network, noted that the determination of those executing the project made his dream a reality.
Minister of Social Development Salwa Damen, together with representatives from the YAI Network and USAID, which financed the project through the Ministry of Planning and International Co-operation, also attended the inauguration ceremony, the statement said.

N.J. Lawmakers OK Bill Giving Legislature Power to Block Closings of Institutions

TRENTON, N.J. — In a rebuke to the Christie administration’s proposal to close the Garrett W. Hagedorn Psychiatric Hospital in Glen Gardner, an Assembly committee Thursday voted to give the Legislature the authority to block the demise of any state institution serving disabled patients.
The Assembly Human Services Committee voted 6-2 with one abstention to approve a bill (A2880) requiring state Human Services officials to provide information allowing lawmakers "to review and consider the reasons for the decision and its impact on residents and employees of the facility," if there are more than 100 full-time workers. If the Legislature disagrees with any proposed closing, it could void the governor’s decision.
Committee Chairwoman and bill sponsor Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen) said the intent is to force the administration to share the information it uses to make decisions about facilities and the vulnerable people who live in them.
"Every person suffering from mental illness or a developmental disability has a unique set of circumstances. We cannot employ a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to providing the services they need," Huttle said.