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LDC task force painstakingly
works plans for DD center
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[OCT. 13, 2003]
The LDC task force has
continued sorting through possibilities for the reopening of the
Lincoln Developmental Center. At issue are the type of population,
the most suitable setting and the necessary services to meet the
chosen population's needs.
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The group broke into small groups with
assigned research duties in the later part of August. At that point
they began weekly teleconferencing and videoconferencing to share
their findings.
The Illinois Department of Human
Services heads up the task force. DHS spokesman Thomas Green said
that at a meeting Sept. 16 the group made a lot of progress agreeing
on a short-term goal of opening the facility with a combination of
residential beds and community group homes,
The group has also agreed to recommend
to the governor that the boiler (power plant) be restarted for the
winter at a cost of about $200,000 for the startup and operation.
Some
areas of research and discussion:
The subcommittees on developmental
disabilities researched alternatives on what to do with the property
at LDC. Other subcommittees set to work to further refine the
services for developmentally disabled and look at what other
services the facility might provide, Green said.
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article] |
A general agreement on opening Waters
Cottage has been reached. Waters will be used for returning LDC
residents. This cottage will also serve as a "crisis center" for
people with developmental disabilities.
A plan has also been made to build four
10-bed units on the LDC campus.
A proposal to involve SIU School of
Medicine in the future LDC facility was discussed.
Another alternative use of the site was
considered. Using it for low-income housing was discussed.
The task force meets again tomorrow,
Oct. 14, at 10 a.m. at UIS. The emphasis will be on immediate goals.
Consensus on a plan will be sought.
On Oct. 28
the group will work to refine some long-term goals.
[Jan
Youngquist] |
