News Release

For more information, contact Sally Meckling, smeckling@ocsea.org, 614-865-2602 or 614-404-3881 (cell).


Public forums being held to discuss future of state-operated Developmental Centers for the mentally retarded

Employees from the 10 remaining Developmental Centers will participate in public forums around the state to discuss the results of a study on the future role of the State of Ohio centers for the mentally retarded. The first forum will take place on Feb. 23 from 2-4 p.m. near Gallipolis Developmental Center at the Rio Grande University, Bob Evans Hall, Rm. 118, Rio Grande, OH.

It was thought the study by Incident Management Systems and commissioned by the Department of Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities would suggest additional closures, but no specific recommendations or facilities are named. In the last year, two facilities were shuttered: the Springview Developmental Center in Springfield and just last week, Apple Creek Developmental Center.

According to the state employees’ union that represents center employees, the study primarily focuses on redefining the role of Developmental Centers as Regional Resource Centers. However, many fear the study will open the door to additional closings.
 
“Besides serving the individuals we currently serve, our centers could address the needs of individuals in the community who are being underserved or who need specialized services currently not available,” said Monty Blanton, a union representative from the Ohio Civil Service Employees Association. “That’s what they should be focusing on, not more closures. More than enough damage has been done to parents, their loved ones and employees.”

“The study also validates the quality of staff at the centers and indicates that there is a need for the centers in the system,” said Blanton.

Center employees, parent groups, advocacy organizations, county board staff and other stakeholders will attend the regional meetings. Details of the meetings follow:

GALLIPOLIS Feb. 23, 2-4 p.m. University of Rio Grande, Bob Evans Hall–Rm 118, Rio Grande

CAMBRIDGE Feb. 27, 2-4 p.m. Zane State College, Willett-Pratt Trg Ctr, 9900 Brick Church Rd.

COLUMBUS March 8, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Columbus Developmental Center, Training Rm., 1601 W. Broad St.

WARRENSVILLE March 9, 12:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Cuyahoga Community College, Bldg E-2–Rm. 230, 4250 Richmond Rd., Highland Hills

YOUNGSTOWN March 9 4-6 p.m. NEOUCOM, Conference Ctr, 4209 S.R. 44

TOLEDO March 13, 10 a.m.-noon, Larc Lane Senior Center, 1155 Larc Lane

TIFFIN March 13 2:30-4:30 p.m. Tiffin University, Franks Hall–Chisholm Auditorium

DAYTON March 15 3-5 p.m. St. Peter's Church, Ries Conference Ctr, 6161 Chambersburg Rd., Huber Heights

BATAVIA March 16 2-4 p.m., University of Cincinnati, Clermont College, CC Snyder S142, 4200 Clermont College Dr.

MT. VERNON March 17, 2-4 p.m., Mt Vernon Academy, 525 Wooster Rd.

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