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The group approved a revised draft of a
vision statement at last week's session. The vision statement will
determine what type of facility will be reopened, and it will drive
all other decisions that need to be made about buildings to be built
or renovated and services that will be offered.
The accepted statement envisions a
multiuse center on campus, including a community-integrated,
state-operated setting offered to individuals with disabilities,
giving them the best available, most comprehensive services through
increased self-sufficiency and independence in a safe environment.
The LDC site includes a large area of
land and buildings that could be used in any number of other ways.
Other revenue-producing agencies could use parts of the campus. One
such possibility is that buildings could be renovated for low-income
housing.
Homework for the week was to look at
building costs, cost of startup and operation of the main power
plant.
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article]
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Four groups received homework to assess
the types of services that the state offers to developmental centers
and group homes. The information will be used to evaluate services
and settings needed for people with:
1. Physical disabilities.
2. Developmental disabilities.
3. Mental illness.
4. And other potential populations that
might use the facility for staff, training, state services and job
training.
While it has not been determined who
the population will be, Illinois Department of Human Services
spokesman Thomas Green said, "There are no firm decisions on
anything yet." The last two sessions, which were spent narrowing
down who will be served, were a big step, he said.
Choices
between needs and available services for people with physical
disabilities or mental illness will make the determination. "It is
clear that the newer center will be more comprehensive, with a
broader range than previously. It will serve persons with
disabilities in a broader way," Green said.
[Jan
Youngquist]
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