Status Briefs
February 1, 2010
The California Disability Services Association (CDSA) applauds the January 29 announcement by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) of their intent to close the Lanterman Developmental Center in Pomona. This is an important next step in the goal to permit all people with developmental disabilities to live full and inclusive lives as part of their communities.
The California Disability Services Association represents more than 90 community based organizations helping to support the lives of tens of thousands of people with developmental disabilities throughout the State.
The 440 people in Lanterman deserve the opportunity to pursue their lives and their goals in the least restrictive setting possible. It is consistent with provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act and other federal law as interpreted by the US Supreme Court in Olmstead. It is consistent with California’s landmark Lanterman Act. And it is the moral thing to do.
Closure is also the cost effective thing to do. For many years, organizations including CDSA have argued that the cost of maintaining just over 2,000 people remaining in the State-owned and operated developmental centers is not justifiable. At more than $300,000 per person, the nearly $700 Million spend on the developmental center system is three times what it would cost if these same consumers lived and were supported in their communities.
Lanterman itself was built to house nearly 1,100 people yet it operates at only one third of its capacity. It occupies more than 300 acres of land in Pomona and has a yearly budget of nearly $116 million. And its residents remain unnecessarily isolated from community life. We cannot afford to continue this course of action.
The next steps in making this historic closure happen are equally important to the decision itself. Closure of the developmental centers will save the State millions of dollars each year and over time --if we do it right up front. Therefore, we believe the following steps should be taken:
- Sufficient appropriations from the current cost of operating the Lanterman DC should be made available to fully fund the community services for the residents. The State General Fund will benefit from the ongoing savings of a much less expensive and more appropriate service delivery system. And the cost of community support will be appropriately recognized for its cost effectiveness.
- There will be up-front costs to provide the necessary housing for the current residents. Lanterman Developmental Center, including its building and land, represent an important capitol asset to the State and should not be lightly converted into the General Fund. Utilizing the value of the center, either from its sale or lease, will provide the funding necessary to provide for the one-time capitol costs of housing without having to rely on other funding sources.
Once again, CDSA applauds DDS and its leadership in their historic decision to close Lanterman Developmental Centers. Our organization stands ready to work closely with the Department to make this closure happen as quickly and as effectively as possible.
CDSA CONFIDENTIAL