Illinois Closing of Institutions, The Arcs sincere approach for the residents of the institutions : Letters | May 18, 2012

As posted in:
The Chicago Tribune ; Letters to The Editor


Supporters of institutional living are using scare tactics in a desperate attempt to sway public opinion against Gov. Pat Quinn's brilliant plan to close state institutions. They are talking about people losing their jobs, residents being turned away with nowhere to go and families being separated.

My interest is for the residents of the institutions. The Arc of Illinois is standing by these families to make sure they have a meaningful and successful transition into community living.

No one will be "evicted." In fact, we have been working with the Illinois Department of Human Services on a comprehensive transition plan that will ensure a person-centered planning approach. Each person will receive an evaluation and ultimately be moved into a community setting that is personalized to empower people with disabilities to live an independent, safe and happy life, whether it's living alone or with a small group, 24-hour care or a more independent lifestyle. They enjoy going to church, going out for ice cream and spending time with family and friends. Each plan is customized according to their individual needs.

The days of segregating people with disabilities are long gone; to suggest that they should remain institutionalized and not be given the opportunity to thrive in a community setting is insulting.

We work with countless families, some whose loved ones have been labeled with the most severe disabilities, who have moved from an institution to a community home and flourished! People with disabilities want and deserve the same opportunities we all do. It's time to stop selling them short and disregarding their potential. It's time to get real about the amazing opportunities and dreams that are attainable by living in a community.

-- Tony Paulauski, executive director, the Arc of Illinois, Frankfort

@ http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/letters/chi-120518paulauski_briefs,0,6893185.story

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We at Ability Chicago support the sincere effort by The Arc of Illinois and Mr. Paulauski. I would like the acknowledge that a few of the us have had the opportunity to get to know Mr. Paulauski in the last few years, we take Tony at his word and commitment to people with disabilities, wanting only the best for all.

Jim Watkins, Exec. Director
Ability Chicago

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For The Arc of Illinois visit: www.thearcofil.org/


Uploaded by thearcofillinois on Sep 8, 2011

Arc of Illinois Tony Paulauski on describing the Arc of Illinois and what the organization does for people with developmental disabilities