The Arc of Illinois

June 7, 2010

Leaders in The Arc:

Courageous mother speaks out on Howe.

Tony Paulauski

The Arc of Illinois

815-464-1832

Good riddance to Howe

Southtown June 6, 2010

By Mattie Harkins, Guest Commentary

I read with great interest the recent Southtown Star article titled "Are former Howe residents getting better care?"

The answer is an emphatic "yes." As the mother of a developmentally disabled son who was a resident of Howe for several years, I believe I am more than qualified to answer this question.

During his tenure at Howe Developmental Center, my son did not receive adequate medical care. In fact, I am quite sure that, had my son continued to live at Howe, he would have died because of the poor care including the constant additions of unnecessary medications.

He was subjected to multiple serious and unexplained injuries. When I reported the injuries to the state entities, all of it was brushed under the rug.

He experienced unexplained weight loss of 60 pounds in a six-month time frame. The food that was served at Howe, in my opinion, was not fit for a dog.

He often was bullied by staff into confessing to things he did not do, causing extreme mental anguish.

There was no active treatment unless staff members forcing the participants to sit in a circle in the living room to watch the shows and movies staff themselves wanted to watch is considered active treatment.

Nothing was centered around what was best for my son. He never had any choices. His bedroom floor was covered with ants, and staff ignored it. He lived in deplorable conditions.

When I visited him on weekends, he would cling to me and beg for me not to leave him. I was heartbroken each and every time I saw him, knowing he was not happy but not knowing what my options were.

I was afraid to "make waves" because I had no choice but to leave him there, and I did not want the staff to retaliate against him because of something I had said.

Since my son moved on April 9 to an integrated-living home provided by a community agency, he is a different person. He has been doing so well, even better than I would have ever imagined.

He has a light in his eyes that I have not seen since he was a child. This community agency saved my son's life. He is medically stable now and, although he has limited expressive verbal communication skills, it is obvious to me that he feels better than he has in years.

He participates in activities in the community. He goes to restaurants, movies, sports events and grocery shopping and leads a "normal" life.

He enjoys mealtimes now because the food is prepared in the home at mealtimes. There is nothing institutional about his care or his living arrangement.

He absolutely loves his day program and is being given opportunities to participate in active treatment every single day. When I go to visit my son now and it's time for me to leave, he doesn't cry or cling to me. He says, "Goodbye, Mommy."

My son will always need multiple supports, but, just like anyone else, it is imperative that he have meaningful experiences in life along with an enriching place to live and work.

He will continue to have those positive experiences through the commitment of his family along with the staff members who now are providing care to him.

I thank God every single day that we finally found a place for my son where he is safe, happy and well-cared for.

MATTIE HARKINS, OF CHICAGO, IS THE MOTHER OF A FORMER RESIDENT AT HOWE DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER IN TINLEY PARK.