The Arc

The Arc of Massachusetts issued the following announcement --
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – DECEMBER 12, 2008

THE ARC CELEBRATES GOVERNOR’S PLAN TO CLOSE FOUR STATE INSTITUTIONS
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Waltham – Governor Patrick’s historic announcement today to close four of Massachusetts’ six institutions (Fernald, Glavin, Monson and Templeton) over the next four years is a clear victory for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Commonwealth, and those who care and advocate for them.
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The administration’s plan features the transition of hundreds of individuals from institutional settings to integrated community living options. Despite sharp national trends toward community-based options, 900 individuals statewide remain in institutions.
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“Our state can provide services and supports for the widest range of individuals with disabilities,” said Leo V. Sarkissian, Executive Director of The Arc of Massachusetts, “and these services can and should be provided in people’s homes, not in institutions. Nobody should be excluded.”
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Six of the seven institutions remaining in New England are in Massachusetts despite the fact that people in community settings have a better quality of life at far less cost.
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“We appreciate the tremendous commitment that Gov. Patrick and Secretary of Health and Human Services JudyAnn Bigby have shown to serving people in their communities, where they are best served,” said Fred Misilo, President of The Arc of Massachusetts. “The truth is that the closure of these institutions is long overdue.”
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Those living in Massachusetts’ institutions today have similar characteristics (age, level of disability, health issues) as those who have been leaving Massachusetts facilities for decades. Past facility closures in Massachusetts (Belchertown State School, 1992; Dever Developmental Center, 2002) have seen over 95% of residents transition to community settings.
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The average cost of serving an individual in an institution is nearly double the cost serving them in the community ($570/day to $293/day) The Department of Developmental Services (formerly Department of Mental Retardation) serves more than 33,000. A full 15 percent ($187.5 million) of that $1.2 billion budget goes to serving the 2.7 percent who live in institutions.
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According to Sarkissian, the closure plan will allow for better use of those limited state resources. “For the thousands of people on waiting lists for family support, respite, residential and other services, this decision is a godsend,” Sarkissian said. “At least now, the inadequate funds that are available can go where it does the best good, in the community.”
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Sarkissian noted that some families with loved ones at institutions may be anxious about moving. “We certainly recognize that some families feel their son or daughter’s current living situation is best, but we are optimistic that the transitions can be positive for everyone involved,” Sarkissian said. “Our network includes many families who have gone through similar experiences, and these families we will be available as support.”

More information:
· Fact Sheet: Dispelling the Myths about Massachusetts Institutions
· Arc analysis of October 2008 federal Fernald Ruling (includes link to Judge Sandra Lynch’s ruling)

The mission of The Arc of Massachusetts is to enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. We accomplish this through advocacy of supports and services based in the community. Through advocacy and collaboration with others, The Arc of Massachusetts has helped to establish and maintain significant legislation and funding on both the state and federal levels.
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This is a significant commitment by Gov. Patrick's Administration and they deserve praise for their accomplishments.