Human dimension of closing of YDC merits consideration

The scheduled closing of the Youngstown Developmental Center in 2017 rises as one of today’s most contentious public debates in the Mahoning Valley and the halls of state government. The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities announced in February its plans to close the YDC and a similar facility near Dayton by July 1, 2017. The YDC in Weathersfield Township houses about 85 residents with severe and profound developmental disabilities who receive extensive daily support, services and treatment.

One side of the debate considers dollars and cents. Some officials argue that cuts in federal Medicaid funding are forcing Ohio and other states to consolidate many programs such as those for the developmentally disabled. What’s more, the number of residents in the state’s DD centers has fallen 40 percent in the past eight years.

Critics of the status quo also argue that the closings promote a trend toward smaller-scale community living. Disability Rights Ohio believes that the state relies too heavily on large facilities that “segregate” clients rather than offering services that integrate them into communities.

The other side of the argument focuses less on dollars and more on sense and sensibilities. Residents and loved ones of residents at YDC and at Montgomery Developmental Center contend the two closures pose hardships and dangers to the most vulnerable residents, some of whom would not be capable of living more independently or safely in apartments, group homes or smaller private centers.

Employees, families and other advocates for YDC residents rightly wonder whether that human dimension received adequate consideration in the closing decision. Their concerns and lobbying efforts resulted in an amendment attached to the proposed 2016-17 state budget that would require a study commission to review closures of developmental disabilities centers, including YDC. Ultimately, many hope such a commission could result in keeping YDC open.

EMOTIONAL APPEALS

The human dimension of the closings took center stage during a marathon hearing in Columbus last month. Catherine David, a Cortland resident whose brother Steven has lived at the center 29 years, beseeched legislators: “I am begging you to listen to the parents, legal guardians and community members before you and to help us overturn this terrible decision My brother is not a number or a statistic. He’s a human being that deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.”

David is absolutely correct. In fact, Section 5123.62 of the Ohio Revised Code enumerates a bill of rights for developmentally disabled residents of Ohio. Among them are rights “to an appropriate, safe and sanitary living environment,” “to participate in appropriate programs of education, training, social development and habilitation” and “to participate in decisions that affect their lives.”

Clearly, the affected YDC and MDC residents had little or no direct personal say in the decision that will radically alter their lifestyles.

That’s why a study commission with solid representation from residents’ families and caregivers makes eminently good sense. The entire Mahoning Valley delegation agrees and stands united behind the amendment that could give YDC a new lease on life.

As Ohio Sen. Joe Schiavoni of Boardman, D-33rd, puts it, “The residents, their families and the employees of the YDC deserve a fair and open process in deciding the future of the facility. While this looks promising ... the legislation still has a long way to go.”

Advocates for fair treatment of the developmentally disabled therefore should press on aggressively for passage to create a panel that gives priority consideration to the potentially steep human toll the closings could inflict.