Great letter from our good friend Krescene Beck in Decatur in todays State
Journal Register.
Tony
Letter: Applauds judge’s ruling on Murray closure
I am writing to applaud the court’s ruling supporting the closure of the Murray
Developmental Center.
This is a victory for the disability community, allowing people with intellectual
and developmental disabilities the opportunity to live beyond a state-operated
developmental center and be a part of a community of choice closer to family
and friends.
Federal Judge Marvin E. Aspen stated that the “community can provide the
same if not better services than state-operated institutions,” and I couldn’t
agree more. Supported by individualized, person-centered supports and
services, community living offers all people with disabilities the opportunity to
thrive and lead fulfilling lives in the community.
The transition process provides each individual with a customized, person-
centered plan to meet individual needs that includes 24-hour care, 365 days
a year.
Judge Aspen further added, “The initiative seeks to make community-based
treatment a reality for more Illinois citizens who need and desire it, using the
Active Community Care Transition process to help determine whether the
community can accommodate a particular individual.”
Even after the closure of Murray, Illinois still will have six state-operated
facilities that serve more than 1,500 people with disabilities, making Illinois
one of the most institutionalized states in the nation.
Judge Aspen’s ruling will help guide Illinois in the right direction and is in line
with the national trend. People with disabilities should not be separate and
deserve to live with choices, freedoms and equality.
Krescene Beck
Tony Paulauski Executive Director
The Arc of Illinois
20901 S. LaGrange Rd. Suite 209
Frankfort, IL 60423
815-464-1832 (OFFICE)
815-464-1832 (CELL)
Tony@www.thearcofil.org
