From the Arc...interesting article...

[Guest guest]

The Arc of Illinois

December 14, 2008

Leaders in The Arc:

The only way this news could be any better would be if this was

Illinois!

Tony auski'

The Arc of Illinois

815-464-1832

THE ARC CELEBRATES GOVERNOR'S PLAN TO CLOSE FOUR STATE INSTITUTIONS

Waltham - Governor 's historic announcement today to close

four of Massachusetts' six institutions (Fernald, Glavin, Monson and

Templeton) in the next four years is a clear victory for those with

intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Commonwealth, and

those who care and advocate for them.

The administration's plan features the transition of hundreds of

individuals from institutional settings to integrated community

living options. Despite sharp national trends toward community-based

options, 900 individuals statewide remain in institutions.

" Our state can provide services and supports for the widest range of

individuals with disabilities, " said Leo V. Sarkissian, Executive

Director of The Arc of Massachusetts, " and these services can and

should be provided in people's homes, not in institutions. Nobody

should be excluded. "

Six of the seven institutions remaining in New England are in

Massachusetts despite the fact that people in community settings have

a better quality of life at far less cost.

" We appreciate the tremendous commitment that Gov. and

Secretary of Health and Human Services JudyAnn Bigby have shown to

serving people in their communities, where they are best served, "

said Fred Misilo, President of The Arc of Massachusetts. " The truth

is that the closure of these institutions is long overdue. "

Those living in Massachusetts' institutions today have similar

characteristics (age, level of disability, health issues) as those

who have been leaving Massachusetts facilities for decades. Past

facility closures in Massachusetts (Belchertown State School, 1992;

Dever Developmental Center, 2002) have seen over 95% of residents

transition to community settings.

The average cost of serving an individual in an institution is nearly

double the cost serving them in the community ($570/day to $293/day)

The Department of Developmental Services (formerly Department of

Mental Retardation) serves more than 33,000. A full 15 percent

($187.5 million) of that $1.2 billion budget goes to serving the 2.7

percent who live in institutions.

According to Sarkissian, the closure plan will allow for better use

of those limited state resources. " For the thousands of people on

waiting lists for family support, respite, residential and other

services, this decision is a godsend, " Sarkissian said. " At least

now, the inadequate funds that are available can go where it does the

best good, in the community. "

Sarkissian noted that some families with loved ones at institutions

may be anxious about moving. " We certainly recognize that some

families feel their son or daughter's current living situation is

best, but we are optimistic that the transitions can be positive for

everyone involved, " Sarkissian said. " Our network includes many

families who have gone through similar experiences, and these

families we will be available as support. "

More information:

· Fact Sheet: Dispelling the Myths about Massachusetts

Institutions

· Arc analysis of October 2008 federal Fernald Ruling

(includes link to Judge Lynch's ruling)

The mission of The Arc of Massachusetts is to enhance the lives of

individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and

their families. We accomplish this through advocacy of supports and

services based in the community. Through advocacy and collaboration

with others, The Arc of Massachusetts has helped to establish and

maintain significant legislation and funding on both the state and

federal levels.

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