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Senate Minority Leader Richard R. Tisei today released the following statement regarding the Patrick Administration’s plans to close the Walter E. Fernald Development Center in Waltham by July of 2010:
Governor Patrick has once again defied the wishes of the families whose loved ones reside at the Fernald by moving ahead with his plans to close the facility. Not only is he forcing some of the state’s most vulnerable residents to leave the only home they have ever known, but he is also depriving families of any real choice in the placement of their loved ones, with no guarantees they will continue to receive the same quality of care.
I can’t help but think the Governor’s actions are being driven primarily by cost-saving considerations, and not the best interests of the Fernald’s residents. You cannot use a “one-size-fits-all” approach to care for individuals with such a wide range of severe mental and developmental disabilities. A group home or other community-based setting may be a viable option for some families, but those who feel their loved one’s needs would be better served by remaining at the Fernald should also be given this option.
The Patrick Administration’s talk of pursuing a “person-centered planning process” during the upcoming transition period rings hollow, given the fact that the Governor has completely and repeatedly ignored the stated wishes of the Fernald families as well as the Coalition of Families and Advocates for the Retarded (COFAR). Once again, the government is trying to tell families what is best for their loved ones, without regard for their personal wishes.
By announcing his decision on a Friday afternoon, right before Christmas – a time when few people are paying attention to the news – Governor Patrick has attempted to minimize the damage of what he has done. That’s hardly something that “no ordinary leader” would do – and it’s not very transparent. The reality is, Governor Patrick’s plan has caused an unnecessary disruption in the lives of hundreds of families, and he should set things right by reversing his decision to close the Fernald.
Governor Patrick has once again defied the wishes of the families whose loved ones reside at the Fernald by moving ahead with his plans to close the facility. Not only is he forcing some of the state’s most vulnerable residents to leave the only home they have ever known, but he is also depriving families of any real choice in the placement of their loved ones, with no guarantees they will continue to receive the same quality of care.
I can’t help but think the Governor’s actions are being driven primarily by cost-saving considerations, and not the best interests of the Fernald’s residents. You cannot use a “one-size-fits-all” approach to care for individuals with such a wide range of severe mental and developmental disabilities. A group home or other community-based setting may be a viable option for some families, but those who feel their loved one’s needs would be better served by remaining at the Fernald should also be given this option.
The Patrick Administration’s talk of pursuing a “person-centered planning process” during the upcoming transition period rings hollow, given the fact that the Governor has completely and repeatedly ignored the stated wishes of the Fernald families as well as the Coalition of Families and Advocates for the Retarded (COFAR). Once again, the government is trying to tell families what is best for their loved ones, without regard for their personal wishes.
By announcing his decision on a Friday afternoon, right before Christmas – a time when few people are paying attention to the news – Governor Patrick has attempted to minimize the damage of what he has done. That’s hardly something that “no ordinary leader” would do – and it’s not very transparent. The reality is, Governor Patrick’s plan has caused an unnecessary disruption in the lives of hundreds of families, and he should set things right by reversing his decision to close the Fernald.
