Illinois Community-based care people with intellectual and developmental disabilities | voice of an advocate

wanted to share a well written 'Letter To The Editor': The Southern Illinois News | Sept 27, 2014

To the Editor: 

I am writing to applaud the court's ruling of July 21, supporting the closure of the Murray Developmental Center in Centralia. This is a victory for the disability community and allows people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to live beyond a state-operated developmental center (SODC) and be a part of a community of choice closer to family and friends.

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 There are many true stories of self-advocates all over Illinois who have have moved from SODC's and are now living full lives in communities they call home.

The transition process provides each individual with a customized, person-centered plan to meet individual needs that include 24-hour care, 365 days a year. Judge Aspen further adds, "The initiative seeks to make community-based treatment a reality for more Illinois citizens who need and desire it, using the ACCT (Active Community Care Transition) process to help determine whether the community can accommodate a particular individual."

Even after the closure of Murray, Illinois will still have six state-operated facilities serving over 1,500 people with disabilities-continuing to make 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

Blue Tower Training

Advocate

Decatur

http://thesouthern.com/news/opinion/mailbag/voice-of-the-reader-community-based-care/article_bd5c822c-1900-531c-8179-4048cbe4d01f.html