Arc Testimony on Closing the Murray Developmental Center

Members of the Commission should vote to support the closing of Murray because
the administration has developed a comprehensive and progressive plan for closing
Murray.
The Arc represents infants, children and adults with intellectual and other developmental
disabilities (I/DD).

Everyone can live a full life in the community with proper supports.

The Arc and other advocates have been calling for the rebalancing of the disability system
for many years. We are committed to working with families at the Murray Developmental
Center and other state institutions to ensure a safe and meaningful transition into
community living.

Since Illinois Governor Pat Quinn took office in 2009, he has been a champion for people
with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and has had a strong working relationship
with advocates to rebalance the disability system. He has championed community living at
every level. He is now implementing a Rebalancing Initiative that is completely redesigning
the disability system in Illinois by closing state institutions and moving people with I/DD into
the community. This is a first for Illinois, and there is no other state in the nation with a
stronger community initiative.

Illinois is truly at a tipping point in the delivery of support and services for people with I/DD.

Arc Testimony on Closing the Murray Developmental Center

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