Inclusion Daily Express -- Olmstead Plan Could Help Fernald Residents

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Olmstead Plan Could Help Fernald Residents
By Dave Reynolds, Inclusion Daily Express
September 16, 2008

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS--Massachusetts finally has an Olmstead Plan.

It's been nine years since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Olmstead v. L.C. & E.W. that states couldn't institutionalize people based solely on their disabilities, and six years after the federal government to develop a plan to provide community-based alternatives to nursing homes and other institutions.

Last Friday, Governor Deval Patrick announced that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is committed to providing community-based supports to over one million seniors and people with disabilities as part of the state's "Community First" long-term care agenda.

Although community advocates issued an informal People's Olmstead Plan in 2002, this is the first time a governor has established an official state plan.

Governor Patrick said the new Olmstead plan would also give a choice to people now housed at the Walter E. Fernald Developmental Center and the other five state-run institutions.

In February 2003, Governor Mitt Romney announced that Fernald, the oldest institution housing people with developmental disabilities in the Western Hemisphere, would close by October 2004. But employees and family members of institution residents have used the courts to stall the closure.

While supporters of keeping Fernald open claim that the institution is the only place that can adequately meet the needs of the residents, community advocates point out that people with every kind and level of disability have been living in their own homes and apartments with the support they need -- usually at a lower cost than those in large institutions.

"It is time to move away from old, anachronistic models," said Bill Henning, the director of the Boston Center for Independent Living. "This gives more framework for people with all disabilities."

Related:
"Judge hears arguments in Fernald closing appeal" (Daily News Tribune)
http://www.inclusiondaily.com/news/2008/red/0916d.htm
"Gov. Patrick moves to shift care" (Daily News Tribune)
http://www.inclusiondaily.com/news/2008/red/0916f.htm
"Fernald Developmental Center -- Oldest Institution In the Americas" (Inclusion Daily Express Archives)
http://www.inclusiondaily.com/news/institutions/ma/fernald.htm

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