🚀 go-pugleaf

Index Number: 26309

[This is from the AbleNews Conference]

GLG>It's society, really," she added.  "Society needs to change.  People
GLG>are afraid of people who are different.  I think that closing the
GLG>institutions will change that.  People will get to know them and
GLG>will understand that there is nothing to be afraid of."

The move away from institutions is present in a number of states.
Here in Oklahoma, one institution is being closed by court order,
and I'm sure others will soon follow.  For the most part, all of
the reports I've heard about the folks being moved has been
positive.  They're involved in activities formerly believed beyond
their abilities, and the general public's response has been
favorable.

With the possible exception of the institutional employees, of
course.  Many of them are having to adjust their lives as
reductions in force take affect.  However difficult that may be for
them, the evidence clearly shows the move to group homes and other
community environments is the way to go.

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