Developmental Disabilities Services

The Kansas Neurological Institute (KNI), Parsons Sate Hospital and Training Center and local community developmental disability organizations (CDDOs) have been in the news a lot since October.

A Commission, originally established by Governor Sebelius, submitted recommendations to Governor Parkinson in October regarding social and educational services in Kansas. The Commission's recommendations included services to developmentally disabled Kansans provided by KNI, Parsons and the local CDDOs. Governor Parkinson's response to the Commission's recommendations about KNI and Parsons State Hospital were summarized in a January 26 statement and laid out in Executive Order 10-01.

Below are information resources about the developmentally disabled, KNI, Parsons, the local CDDOs and the workings of government in deciding how to maintain social services in changing tough economic times. Also included are a few news stories covering what happened between October and January. We hope this will shed light on this still unfolding story.

GENERAL INFORMATION

What are developmental disabilities?
"Developmental disabilities are severe, life-long disabilities attributable to mental and/or physical impairments which manifest themselves before the age of 22 years and are likely to continue indefinitely. They result in substantial limitations in three or more of the following areas:

•self-care
•comprehension and language
•skills (receptive and expressive language)
•learning
•mobility
•self-direction
•capacity for independent living
•economic self-sufficiency
•ability to function independently without coordinated services (continuous need for individually planned and coordinated services).

"Persons with developmental disabilities use individually planned and coordinated services and supports of their choosing (e.g., housing, employment, education, civil and human rights protection, health care) to live in and to participate in activities in the community."
(Definition provided by U.S. Administration on Developmental Disabilities)

Governor Parkinson's Statement on Recommendations of the Facilities Closure and Realignment Commission
http://governor.ks.gov/media-room/45-press-releases/571-012610-governor-parkinson-acts-on-facilities-closure-report

01.26.2010 - Executive Order 10-01 KNI and Parsons
http://governor.ks.gov/issues-a-initiatives/executive-orders/568-01262010-executive-order-10-01-kni-and-parsons

Facilities Closure and Realignment Commission Information
http://governor.ks.gov/issues-a-initiatives/balancing-the-budget/546
("The Facilities Closure and Realignment Commission was created with Executive Order 09-01. The Commission’s charge was to “study and evaluate the closure and/or realignment of state facilities, and alternative uses of such facilities, including but not limited to: 1.Kansas School for the Deaf; 2.Kansas School for the Blind; 3.Beloit Juvenile Correctional Facility; 4.State Developmental Disability Hospitals; and 5.Rainbow Mental Health Facility")

Kansas Neurological Institute (KNI) website
http://www.srskansas.org/kni/default.htm
Philosophy
History
Service Areas
Statistics
Newsletter

Parsons State Hospital and Training Center website
http://www.pshtc.org/
Newsletter

Community Developmental Disability Organizations in Kansas
http://www.srskansas.org/hcp/css/CDDO.htm
(Information on community service providers in Kansas provided by the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services)

NEWS STORIES

"Panel Recommends Closing Kansas Neurological Institute, Downsizing Parsons State Hospital"
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2009/oct/26/panel-recommends-closing-kansas-neurological-insti/
(October 26, 2009 - Lawrence Journal World)

"State Looks to Streamline Departments"
http://www.kansas.com/225/story/1101877.html
(December 17, 2009 - "Wichita Eagle")

"Governor Rejects Recommendation to Close Kansas Neurological Institute"
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2010/jan/26/governor-rejects-recommendation-close-kansas-neuro/
(January 26, 2010 - "Lawrence Journal World")

"Kansas Neurological Institute Will Stay Open"
http://www.wibw.com/home/headlines/82700727.html
(January 26, 2010 - WIBW TV News)


Article contact: Bill Sowers
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