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Equip for Equality Calls on Illinois to Pledge Full Funding To Ensure Quality Services for People with Disabilities |
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From PR Newswire: Repeated calls by Equip for Equality and other advocacy groups for the closure of the beleaguered Howe Developmental Center (Tinley Park) were finally answered today with the State's announcement that Howe will be closing its doors. "We commend the Governor for making a very difficult but absolutely the right decision for the residents as well as Illinois taxpayers," said Zena Naiditch, President and CEO of a federally mandated watchdog and advocacy group, Equip for Equality. "Today, we call on the Governor to stand with the resident and families of Howe by pledging that 100% of the state funding going to Howe today will follow these residents as they move to their future homes. It is absolutely critical for each resident to be offered a high quality community-based living option among their choices. And, finally, any savings resulting from the closure of Howe should be promised to other individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, who are waiting for community services," said Naiditch. We will advocate for residents who are not provided with quality, individualized community-based supports and services as one of their choices, so they can finally enjoy a stable, safe and promising future. Lost jobs and the economic implications of Howe's closure are also important and also need to be considered by policymakers, but they should not overshadow the State in keeping its promise to the residents and families of Howe," said Naiditch. As the federally mandated, independent watchdog for people with disabilities for the State of Illinois, two years ago Equip for Equality's Abuse Investigation Unit, which has an interdisciplinary team with clinicians and investigatory expertise, launched its own in-depth examination into the conditions at Howe.
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