Thursday, May 12, 2011

Jacksonville Community Planned for People with Developmental Disabilities

While I can understand that people are thrilled that there will finally be a place for their adult children, I do agree with Lee Henderson that this community is a step backward and promotes segregation, rather than inclusion. I'm all for development for community-based services, but this does seem to be a bit off. Our field has come so far from the days of secluding and warehousing individuals with disabilities in institutions (though yes, some still exist) and The Hodges Community just seems to be headed the wrong way. Thoughts?

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- After years of discussion and planning, a proposal for a 32-acre community for people with developmental disabilities is moving forward.
An initiative of The Arc Jacksonville, The Hodges Community would include independent and semi-independent living, as well as recreational and transportation opportunities and a community center. It is set to break ground in 2013 and would take five to 10 years to build.

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