ROMNEY PLEDGES SUPPORT TO DISABLED COMMUNITY
http://myclob.pbwiki.com/03-12-2003
Special thanks to Mike Laub and all the work he has done to organize Governor Romney’s press releases in such perfect fashion…
Seeing that this is an issue that is important to me (having three disabled children), I was looking for specific speeches from Governor Romney on the issue. And thanks to Mike, I found this one.
Says budget favors community living over institutionalization
Governor Mitt Romney today highlighted his commitment to community-based living for individuals with mental retardation and developmental disabilities over institutionalization in large, hospital-like settings.
“My administration is committed to the goals of independence, choice and dignity for every citizen of the Commonwealth,” Romney said, speaking to the Association of Retarded Citizens of Massachusetts at the State House.
He added, “We will ensure there are opportunities for every person in our state to reside in the community so that they are no longer separated in public facilities from family and friends.”
In the administration’s budget recommendations for Fiscal Year 2004, Romney proposes closing two large outdated facilities for individuals with mental retardation and mental illness - Fernald Developmental Center in Waltham and Worcester State Hospital. Additional large state institutions may be closed in the future, Romney said, allowing the individuals who live in them to move to community-based settings with appropriate support.
Leo Sarkissian, Executive Director of the Association of Retarded Citizens of Massachusetts, lauded Romney’s plan, saying, “We appreciate the Governor’s bold proposal to close institutions and furthering community-based living for individuals with disabilities. We fully support this initiative as well as his proposal to fund services for our individuals.”
“For too long, people with disabilities have been held back by structural barriers, barriers of attitude and resistance to change,” said Romney.
Romney pointed out that his budget for the Department of Mental Retardation (DMR) in Fiscal Year 2004 fully funds the Turning 22 Program, which provides services for individuals transferring to DMR from special education programs. The administration’s spending plan also maintains funding for the Family Support Program as well as the Boulet and Rolland Agreements that enable individuals to live within their home communities.
Under Romney’s proposal to reorganize the state’s health and human services agencies, the DMR will be strengthened in its mission through a more cohesive approach to service delivery, policies and programs. The implementation of the Family Support Law that gives family members of the disabled greater input in the way the state delivers services will be accelerated under the reorganization plan, allowing the voices of disabled citizens and their families to have a seat at the table.
Romney also said a number of events are planned around the Commonwealth during the month of March to celebrate “Developmental Disabilities and Mental Retardation Awareness Month,” including the following:
WESTERN MASS
An Art Exhibition featuring the work of individuals from the Pittsfield area will be held today at 333 East Street in Pittsfield featuring the work of artist David Drew.The Department of Mental Retardation will hold a recognition event on Tuesday, March 18 at 125 North Elm Street in Westfield.
CENTRAL MASS
The North Central Annual Recognition Ceremony will be held on Thursday, March 20 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Gardner at 6:30 p.m.NORTHEAST MASS
The Emarc 10th Annual Community Awards Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, April 9 at 6:30pm at the Holiday Inn in Peabody.On Friday, March 28, DMR will host a reception honoring individuals with mental retardation at the Great Hall in the State House. Fifteen individuals and/or groups from each region of the state will be honored. The Dybwad Leadership and special awards will also be presented.
Please visit Mike’s site here for specific, detailed topics relating to Governor Romney.
November 7th, 2006 at 4:49 am
I’ve taken a quick look at your postings, which are very interesting. Lots of material and ideas! Congrats on being so focused!
November 15th, 2006 at 9:25 am
Governor Romney is somewhat of an enigma to me. I do believe that he has a genuine concern for the quality of life of those with developmental disabilities it seems that his concern for those entrusted with their care are not a priority. It appears that at every turn he has vetoed legislation that would give caregivers a living wage. This happened again this week when he removed a 28 million dollar raise from the budget long after it was passed. Governor Romney I just don’t understand.