Letter of the day: State must keep its promise to the disabled

Last update: January 7, 2008 - 6:01 PM

In the 1960s, Minnesota made a courageous and proper decision. That decision was to move people with disabilities out of institutions and into community life.

Forty years ago, these large institutions were used to warehouse children and adults with disabilities. Their lives were grim. Most were safe but not thriving. Loneliness was an everyday challenge, and productivity, education and relationships were sadly often nonexistent.

Thankfully, the good people of Minnesota saw this sad reality for their neighbors with disabilities and created group homes -- a new model that was less expensive and based in the community. Disabled citizens began to thrive with roommates and staffs that could give more attention and care. Most important, people with disabilities gained new friends and opportunities to add their own unique gifts to our society.

The last of the warehoused citizens moved into a group home in the 1990s. Life was good and Minnesota was right to help people be productive and to encourage relationships with their society and with friends.

In 2003, however, people with disabilities suffered a huge blow. Due to state budget cuts, the funding source for group homes (waivered services) dried up. Suddenly, a waiting list of 5,000 emerged for Minnesotans yearning to live independently in the community. Now, the only way for a person with disabilities to receive funding for independent living is for his or her parent to become incapacitated or die.

The promises of the 1960s are now broken and dead. Nothing is being done. Change needs to happen and no one from either party seems to care.

As our legislators begin a new session in February, my question is this: Will anyone speak for our most vulnerable and help to create a plan to mend the broken promise?

BISHOP CRAIG E. JOHNSON, MINNEAPOLIS;

MINNEAPOLIS AREA SYNOD OF THE ELCA

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