Here are reasons to close Montana Developmental Center

Senate Bill 411 is not an anti-jobs bill and is not an anti-union bill — it is a human and civil rights bill.

The Montana Developmental Center, or MDC, is not able to keep residents safe. Disability Rights Montana has documented abuse and neglect of residents in the institution for over 20 years. In 2014, the Department of Justice substantiated 55 cases of abuse, neglect and mistreatment of residents. In just the first three months of 2015, the DOJ has already substantiated 18 cases. The Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services, the licensing and certification entity for MDC, cited the facility 56 times for failing to provide appropriate care and treatment.

How much more abuse, neglect and inadequate treatment must residents endure before MDC is closed?

Bernadette Franks-Ongoy – Disability Rights Montana http://www.disabilityrightsmt.org

Full Story: http://www.greatfallstribune.com/story/opinion/guest-opinions/2015/05/01/reasons-close-state-school-boulder/26736353/