The brutal death of Todd Clementz in the care of the Murray Developmental Center is
tragic. It is indicative of a culture that uses “punishment” showering. The Arc mourns
his passing.
Last spring, the Going Home Coalition, including The Arc, called for the closing of six
of the seven fully operational state institutions in Illinois. Research has proven that
people with disabilities live safer and healthier lives in small community homes. In
addition, small community homes are extremely cost effective when compared to the
cost of obsolete state institutions. The state now spends $429 million on state
institutions. There are now 14 states without state institutions and Illinois remains one
of the most institutionalized states in America with 1,700 individuals confined in those
state institutions.
The Arc of Illinois once again calls upon Gov. Rauner to begin closing Murray once
again, and five other fully operational state institutions in Illinois.
It is time.
Tony Paulauski, executive director, The Arc of Illinois
Read more here: http://www.bnd.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article45712404.html
#storylink=cpy
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@thearcofil.org
