Sunny Maden Letter to the EditorLETTERS TO THE EDITOR
7/22/00
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Writer missed key facts, point Too often, enthusiasm for de-institutionalization has been a simplistic approach to complex needs. Terry Boisot's comments and misquoted facts personify her zeal to discredit the Developmental Centers in California. Crusaders like Boisot advocate that total deinstitutionalization is a solution to all problems in the developmental disability field. This uncompromising focus has resulted in preventable deaths, abuse and neglect, as documented in the media, not only in California but also across the nation.
Lanterman Developmental Center has provided care for severely and profoundly retarded as well as medically fragile individuals for over 60 years. Boisot's tour of Lanterman Developmental Center included Residence 51. She was given the privilege to visit an acute medical/nursing hospital unit. She did not see "drugged" residents. She saw comatose patients. She failed to recognize that the television was turned on for stimulation reasons. Boisot has reported misleading and incorrect information about a facility and it's professional staff who provide expert services for desperately ill and dependent people with disabilities.
The California State Hospital Parent's Coordinating Council (CASH/PCR) position is simple -- one size does not fit all. Some people need the structure, support and ready access to medical and dental services that can be found only in developmental centers. Some people thrive in group homes. Some can live more independently in supported living situations. Many community living situations require very high annual average cost -- much more than the average cost of the developmental center resident. One can not compare the cost of caring for a medically fragile comatose person who requires residence in an acute medical hospital, and a person who can manage his needs and maintain employment. Individual needs and choice determines costs for services.
Boisot should focus her efforts on community abuse and neglect, licensing and staffing problems of community facilities, because she is more familiar with the people served. The years have lapsed since her visit and her memory is less than accurate about the size of the campus, people served, services provided and average cost per client at one of the most professional and beautiful campuses in the state.
Sunny Maden Member Parent Coordination Council at Lanterman Covina