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BITEMORE

Caucasian female aged 68
Articles Posted: 49  Links Seeded: 48
Member Since: 11/2008  Last Seen: 5/16/2012

Parents Of Disabled Residents Blast Decision To Close Training Centers | wusa9.com

Seeded on Sat Jan 28, 2012 8:24 PM EST
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Seeded by bitemore
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Among the many travesties perpetrated by our totally impersonal and uncaring government is this one: the closing of a facility that is vital to the well-being of individuals who, through no fault of their own, cannot be maintained in any other environment.

"It all about ideology, not about what's right for these people," says Jane Anthony, whose son Jason, 36, has lived at NVTC since he was a toddler. He is taken to therapeutic horseback riding and enjoys volunteer groups and other activities at the Center. Anthony says it'll be impossible to have all the many services and activities at each of the group homes that are at NVTC.

This is not about an alternative form of lifestyle.  It is about money, and possibly real estate, but it is not about the welfare of those whose lives will be disrupted and, in some cases, ended because of this ill-conceived maneuver.

  • Enjoy this article? Help vote it up the 'Vine.

Published to:

bitemore

This seed is very, very special to me. Most of those who will comment on it are also familiar with my dearest friend, Remote Viewer, whose recent Vinecation caused a minor stir because she was so sorely missed. What most of you do not know is that this article outlines one of the causes that contributed to RV's sense of being overwhelmed; but more than that, what you also do not know is that RV has a 40-year-old autistic son who has been living at NVTC since 1998 and who has thrived in that environment. Thus, this is not "just another cause" occupying our time (especially HER time), but one which affects the very core of who she is: a mother who wants what is best for her son, fighting a government bureaucracy that wouldn't give a damn who got hurt in their attempt to prove their power to rule, control, and destroy.

The battle has only just begun. It finally got media attention, which is a start. To WUSA9's credit, after they aired a brief piece favoring the closing of the NVTC, they followed up with the opposing view (this article that I have seeded). The proponents of closing the NVTC have not the foggiest clue as to the harm they are trying to do to the innocent residents of the facility who have no one to speak for them but the parents and friends who, like RV, know that other venues have been tried, and failed utterly, often with disastrous results - and who have found the NVTC to be the ideal solution to an otherwise insoluble problem.

As I said, the battle has only just begun. There will be litigation - endless litigation - and anyone who thinks that the residents will benefit are fooling themselves. The money wasted in litigation is only the beginning of what will inevitably become one of the biggest, stupidest boondoggles of all time.

Unless, of course, the DOJ backs down and this entire charade is shelved permanently and the NVTC allowed to continue performing its priceless service for those who have NO OTHER OPTIONS - no matter what the bungling bureaucrats try to tell us.

Please observe the CoH... but comments are not only welcome, but eagerly sought. Thanks in advance to all of you who cared enough to stop by.

  • 9 votes
#1 - Sat Jan 28, 2012 8:40 PM EST
o'stephanie

Bitemore,

I am so saddened to hear all of this news. Profits before people never looked worse.

I clipped this to my column and several groups. Please let us know if we can write to anyone or sign any petitions. And keep us up to date on what develops. 2012 ought to be the Year of the People.

Places like these, which do such good work, actually save money for society. Just not "high society".

Bless Remote Viewer. A favorite of mine.

  • 3 votes
#1.1 - Sat Jan 28, 2012 9:14 PM EST
bitemore

#1.1: Bless Remote Viewer. A favorite of mine.

You have great taste! She's a gem!

I'll ask her if there are any letters you can write or petitions to sign... there may be, if not now, then someday soon as momentum builds. I will definitely keep everyone posted via this seed as things change, or even if they don't... but I do like the idea of a letter-writing campaign or a petition... thanks for planting that idea!

2012 should be the year of the GOOD people... I still have faith that the good ones outnumber the bad ones.

  • 4 votes
#1.2 - Sat Jan 28, 2012 9:20 PM EST
o'stephanie

RV was a regular around here, fighting the good fight. Love the chance to fight for her too!

2012 should be the year of the GOOD people... I still have faith that the good ones outnumber the bad ones.

When you do find a petition or organized letter action, seed it again and let me know and I will clip it to my column.

We will succeed!

  • 4 votes
#1.3 - Sat Jan 28, 2012 9:27 PM EST
Nightbreeeze

When society favors the notion of unfettered, pure capitalism, it makes no provisions for the care of the elderly, the infirm, the very young. All those who cannot work and produce are left to fend for themselves, possibly to suffer and die. In this time of unprecedented economic hardship, a great many such programs face defunding. Without people such these here making the issues known, many are doomed to close. As Americans, we are coming into a time of financial sacrifice. There are elements who advocate eliminating all such programs. These same elements have no personal stake in such programs and have no desire to sacrifice any of their own personal wealth for strangers. I believe that Americans are basically good. All of us, rich and poor, will need to make personal, perhaps significant sacrifices to ensure that those neighbors of ours who need our help continue to get it. This can be America's darkest hour or greatest triumph.

  • 4 votes
#1.4 - Sat Jan 28, 2012 11:12 PM EST
o'stephanie
I believe that Americans are basically good. All of us, rich and poor, will need to make personal, perhaps significant sacrifices to ensure that those neighbors of ours who need our help continue to get it. This can be America's darkest hour or greatest triumph.

Nightbreeze,

That is as eloquent a statement of how this nation needs to fundamentally change as I have read.

  • 4 votes
#1.5 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 12:41 AM EST
bitemore

#1.3: When you do find a petition or organized letter action, seed it again and let me know and I will clip it to my column.

I will do that! And thank you!!!!

#1.4: I believe that Americans are basically good. All of us, rich and poor, will need to make personal, perhaps significant sacrifices to ensure that those neighbors of ours who need our help continue to get it. This can be America's darkest hour or greatest triumph.

Very nicely stated, Nightbreeze. I always want to think positive thoughts when it comes to the majority of people... the fact is, career politicians tend to be greedy, miserly, ill-tempered know-it-all's - and all they want is publicity, good, bad, or all-of-the-above; the publicity is paramount. If they hurt or even kill a few innocents along the way, well... that's just the cost of becoming famous.

Gawd, but I hate politicians! Good things that get done are always done by ordinary people with no agenda, butting heads with legislators who couldn't care less until they see it as a career maker or career breaker.

#1.5: what o'stephanie said.

  • 4 votes
#1.6 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 7:57 AM EST
o'stephanie

Bitemore,

It is a shame that the politicians--who are supposed to lead and serve the People--have become a self-serving upper class as you point out. Too much money attracts flies like them.

Civic engagement has been almost nonexistant in our nation which is why I think people do not understand what Occupy is doing. Have not seen this for decades and--because it was not honored in our history textbooks--it is still seem as malcontents and hippies just making trouble.

Well, we mean to make a lot of trouble for those who are in power and do not serve us well.

  • 3 votes
#1.7 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 9:12 AM EST
bitemore

#1.7: Well, we mean to make a lot of trouble for those who are in power and do not serve us well.

You sure got that right!!!!!

  • 2 votes
#1.8 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 10:40 AM EST
o'stephanie

Don't know when this legislature meets but ours convenes on Wednesday. I am writing up an essay for that which will morph into a speech/mic check. I will post it in a few...

They need to see us. They need to hear us.

  • 3 votes
#1.9 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 1:34 PM EST
Nightbreeeze

o'stephanie and bitemore,

Thank you for your kind words. My comment was really meant to thank the both of you for helping to bring this issue into the spotlight. Please continue to do so and I will continue to support you however I can. Thank you both again!

  • 2 votes
#1.10 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 9:41 PM EST
bitemore

#1.10: Please continue to do so and I will continue to support you however I can.

Thanks so much... it means a lot!!!!

  • 2 votes
#1.11 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 10:17 PM EST
Neale Osborn

All who know me know I'm not a fan of government programs. There are far too many useless, wasteful programs to count. Cowboy Poetry. Basketweaving. Studies of multi-cultural foods and their influence on society. Counting snail darters. and other equally useless money wasters. And then, there are the few good things we, as a society, must do whether we can afford to or not. This falls into the latter catagory. My family is lucky- the sole autistic in our family is high-function and lives at home, needing little more than a little extra patience and teaching. My heart goes out to RV, and I hope she and her cohorts succeed in their battle. If I can lend a pen or time to it in some way, Bitey, PLEASE let me know privately. I believe you have my e-mail, and if you don't, shoot me a contact the author, and you will get it post haste.

  • 2 votes
#1.12 - Wed Feb 1, 2012 10:58 PM EST
bitemore

Neale, we can't tell you how much it means to have you willing to enter the fray! The battle has only just begun - and if there is anything you can do that will help, I will let you know immediately. Right now, the Parents & Associates of NVTC, of which RV is a board member, are plotting strategies, so there is nothing definitive anyone can do until they have a plan. At that time, I will post it here so that anyone who wants to assist will know what to do.

RV posted a comment (below, #10) that gives an update that I found encouraging, although there's still a long row to hoe.

Thanks so much for stopping by and for your willingness to help.

  • 2 votes
#1.13 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 8:14 AM EST
Neale Osborn

It's one of the few things I approve of taxes for. And as you know, referring to ME that menas one HELL of a lot!!!!!

  • 2 votes
#1.14 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 11:57 AM EST
bitemore

#1.14: And as you know, referring to ME that menas one HELL of a lot!!!!!

And that is an understatement. I'll confess that when I read your comment my jaw dropped before I broke into an ear-splitting grin. It only proves I have good taste in friends, because you have a very caring heart. We need more Neales.

  • 2 votes
#1.15 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 12:39 PM EST
johny-388777

o'stephanie

Bitemore,

I am so saddened to hear all of this news. Profits before people never looked worse.

These people would push there own mothers down the stairs for buck. Where did I hear that before?

  • 2 votes
#1.16 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 11:34 AM EST
johny-388777

This reminds me of the farewell address of one of the greatest presidents.

He said simply that one war plane cost as many as 20 schools.

When we deprive our needy, we better be sure its really needed.

In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.

Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired, signifies in the final sense a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed.
Dwight D. Eisenhower.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1520506247286790466

Dwight D. Eisenhower Farewell Address. Search it. So beautifully said.

  • 2 votes
#1.17 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 11:42 AM EST
bitemore

#1.16: These people would push there own mothers down the stairs for buck.

Oh, I think it is far worse than that! The same people who won't bend over to pick up a penny will push their mothers down the stairs if someone handed the penny to them...

Your Eisenhower quotes are spot-on. He was definitely one of the greatest Presidents. Compared to what's out there today, methinks great presidents are an extinct species.

Excellent comments, Johny-388777

  • 2 votes
#1.18 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 12:15 PM EST
johny-388777

I am sad to say. Obama is one hell of a disappointment.

I wanted him to use his presidential powers to sort out the Mortgage mess and use it to jump start the economy.

If the construction industry is in a mess. Thats a hell of alot of people out of work. I say, work out how much the 401ks will lose. Make sure the executives get alot less to pay for the mess. Get the 1% to compensate the 401ks for the mess.

Just follow the money. If we don't have better income equality the economy does not work. We have a society that keeps leaving people behind.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-nEFO4A3bo The deficit is the problem?

  • 2 votes
#1.19 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:21 PM EST
bitemore

#1.19: I am sad to say. Obama is one hell of a disappointment.

Yep! I signed a petition yesterday and added a comment to the effect that he may as well announce publicly that he has switched parties and is now a Republican. What frightens me to pieces is that no matter a person's ideology, there are NO candidates out there, in ANY party, worth the effort it takes to vote. Obama is most likely to win by default: better the jerk you know than the one you don't - and that is a sad commentary on how low our politics has fallen.

  • 3 votes
#1.20 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:28 PM EST
Reply
River-239955

There aren't nearly enough of these facilities !!! They should be opening a few hundred more !!!!

  • 6 votes
Reply#2 - Sat Jan 28, 2012 8:44 PM EST
bitemore

#2: They should be opening a few hundred more !!!!

Your keyboard to God's eyes... thank you, River, for saying that. I couldn't agree more!

  • 6 votes
#2.1 - Sat Jan 28, 2012 8:48 PM EST
o'stephanie

One of the travesties of this economy tailored for the elite 1% is that there are so many social workers of all stripes out of work while people go without services.

It is a crime against the whole people.

  • 6 votes
#2.2 - Sat Jan 28, 2012 9:19 PM EST
bitemore

#2.2: It is a crime against the whole people.

How ironically true, and perpetrated by, of all things, the Department of "Justice." Pfffft!

  • 5 votes
#2.3 - Sat Jan 28, 2012 9:32 PM EST
o'stephanie

It's like something out of a book--1984. Language is important and can often be bent to evil ends.

Department of "Justice".

  • 3 votes
#2.4 - Sat Jan 28, 2012 10:46 PM EST
bitemore

#2.4: Department of "Justice".

I'll never look at that the same way again. I now have no respect for that sewer.

  • 4 votes
#2.5 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 7:59 AM EST
o'stephanie

Also thinking of Justice on the steps of the Supreme Court with a blindfold on. In that get up, she would be arrested for "wearing a mask".

  • 2 votes
#2.6 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 9:13 AM EST
bitemore

#2.6: In that get up, she would be arrested for "wearing a mask".

OMG! I believe you are onto something! I wonder how long before some idiot demands that the icon representing "Justice" be abolished?

  • 3 votes
#2.7 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 10:42 AM EST
o'stephanie

Is she showing any breasts too? And the fact that the statue is female must bother these jerks too.

Whose justice?

OUR JUSTICE!

  • 4 votes
#2.8 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 1:36 PM EST
johny-388777

We got 16 Trillion debt.

The 1% have 22 Trillion in assets.

What am I thinking? Do they love america or not? I am thinking of a law called, America first bill, We get the 1% to put america first. They hand over 16T. :)

They can get that fuzzy good feeling inside.

  • 2 votes
#2.9 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 11:36 AM EST
bitemore

#2.9: They hand over 16T. :)

They can get that fuzzy good feeling inside.

If only! If you decide to run for President, let me know and I will vote for you!

FR sent.

  • 1 vote
#2.10 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 12:16 PM EST
Reply
Remote Viewer

Bitey, thank you so much for seeding this. At present I don't have time to seed it myself and moderate the comments, so this is a huge mitzvah on your part. I have written quite a bit on the subject of these gathering stormclouds and the abuse of the term "civil rights" in the interests not of our most vulnerable citizens, but rather of the political powers that be. Perhaps I'll get some of it onto my column when my schedule sorts itself out a bit.

I serve on the Board of Directors of Parents & Associates of the Northern Virginia Training Center, and we have been meeting and strategizing for some time, as have the parents and associates at our four sister Training Centers. Much more lies ahead. We and our loved ones will not go quietly into that not-so-good night.

  • 5 votes
Reply#3 - Sat Jan 28, 2012 8:59 PM EST
bitemore

Whatever I can do to help, RV. People have no idea how time-consuming this has been for you... so I am happy to seed this and I will seed any future articles I find, as well. I'll keep you updated as needed... you really don't have the time to monitor this. Thanks for stopping by...

{{{{{RV}}}}}

  • 3 votes
#3.1 - Sat Jan 28, 2012 9:05 PM EST
o'stephanie

[[[{{{{{((( Remote Viewer)))}}}]]]]

It is amazingly time consuming to fight the Powers That Be when they are reaching for the money.

This means that people with disabilities requiring services like these all over the nation are also in trouble.

  • 5 votes
#3.2 - Sat Jan 28, 2012 9:22 PM EST
johny-388777

Yea its funny when the police department gets a cut.

Then the dumb dumbs will be crying foul.

  • 2 votes
#3.3 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 11:37 AM EST
bitemore

#3.3: Then the dumb dumbs will be crying foul.

They'll be crying more than foul when a crook puts a gun to their heads and demands their money - and there are no police to arrest the jerk. Then, when the jerk decides to pull the trigger and leaves them a quadriplegic requiring social services, not only will there be no cops, but no social services to provide lifetime care for these whining a$$holes.

It is sad, but no one cares until something hits home... but by then it is too late.

There is no one who is not worth the cost and the effort, except maybe those who are sitting on heaps of cash (the old Scrooge McDuck image comes to mind) and who fail to use it to help anyone else. I will never have sympathy for any of that lot.

  • 1 vote
#3.4 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 12:22 PM EST
Augur Well

And you know bitey, even those people who with their arrogance and disdain always seem to have someone out there still willing to care for them when they suddenly find themselves in dire straits and needing it. And not because of the size of their arrogance, but simply that they're wiling to help them as anyone else.

It never fails. Funny how it seems to work out that way, that so many people utterly ignore that concept.

  • 1 vote
#3.5 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 12:29 PM EST
bitemore

#3.5: And not because of the size of their arrogance, but simply that they're wiling to help them as anyone else.

So true... but, frankly, I have a hard time working up any sympathy for the arrogant narcissists who would walk over the bodies of their dead or dying mothers if they thought it might generate a few dollars more in their bank accounts. There are exceptions, of course - Warren Buffet comes to mind - but if I had to choose between pulling a homeless man from an oncoming train, or any of the Trump-alikes out there, I would rescue the homeless man.

  • 1 vote
#3.6 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 12:44 PM EST
Augur Well

I would rescue the homeless man.

You're not alone!

I could give a damn about the still vertical and not needing help arrogant bastards, all I'm saying is all so often even their tunes change when they suddenly find themselves on the needing help receiving end. Not the Trump types I'm talking about, they have enough money regardless what happens to them, I'm talking about those who assume the air of arrogance from their own self-created attitudes who look on challenged people as just so much fodder to be shoved out of sight out of mind. Those types are the focus of my ire!

  • 1 vote
#3.7 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 12:52 PM EST
bitemore

#3.7: I'm talking about those who assume the air of arrogance from their own self-created attitudes who look on challenged people as just so much fodder to be shoved out of sight out of mind. Those types are the focus of my ire!

And mine, too, L'il Bro. Mine, too!

  • 1 vote
#3.8 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 2:16 PM EST
Reply
mstanley2265

I understand the anguish this causing. There are so many factors involved that I've ran across over the years leading up to this change over. Not just in VA but other places too. It is not good, in fact very bad for those that have settled into a routine with caring staff. I didn't find where ARC has the alternative answer either for the group homes. Four of five centers closing, three within 10 years, one in three years, displacement of all of those clients. It will be huge for them to find all the appropriate group homes and staffing for same. Not counting the cost. geez

Yet some of the factors deal with staff, the clients are close to a lot of them and the staff is aging too. Younger clients that are coming into these systems are overmedicated or wrongly diagnosed in a lot of instances, needing more intensive psychiatric care. Appropriate replacements for staff are harder to find and retain. Note: and this is also going to be a big problem in the Group Homes. Big Problem.

If it were me, I'd ask for and if not given Demand the following: 1) a clear written plan for this transition idea with a complete breakdown by category of diagnosis. 2) to see the written criteria by each category for Each group home. 3) to see what the criteria for and number of staff that would be set at for each category for each group home. 4) the written activites including educational, for each group home 5) the flooring plan for each group home 6) the availability and miles to and from for dental, psychiatric and medical services to the group home 7) the method of transportation to each service 8) the criteria for outside activities and staffing of each activity.

If they fail in any of the numbered list, then they Do Not Have a Plan for disabled adults. They are more than likely using the ones that they have for unwed girls in foster care.

Good Luck

  • 5 votes
#4 - Sat Jan 28, 2012 9:18 PM EST
o'stephanie

Change is such a huge stressor in individuals with disabiities, particularly when this is their home. It is not an exageration that this action will cause deaths in this population. Our most vulnerable deserve our best and this is not it!

  • 5 votes
#4.1 - Sat Jan 28, 2012 9:24 PM EST
bitemore

#4: If they fail in any of the numbered list, then they Do Not Have a Plan for disabled adults. They are more than likely using the ones that they have for unwed girls in foster care.

Good Luck

Wow... what an exceptionally well-considered comment! I am very impressed!

I'm passing this along to RV... I have no doubts that the board she is on has been hashing out these very questions and concerns that you so carefully enumerated... RV has been attending meetings on this very issue for the past two years (perhaps longer), and this year she got onto the board because she felt that this was the best way she could be useful. Of course, it has consumed an incredible amount of time, but she really had no other options. You seem extremely well-versed in these issues, so I know I don't have to explain it to you.

Thanks so much for your comment! You've raised some very intelligent questions!

  • 4 votes
#4.2 - Sat Jan 28, 2012 9:28 PM EST
bitemore

#4.1: Change is such a huge stressor in individuals with disabiities, particularly when this is their home.

Oh, you are SOOOOOOOO correct!!!!! If only the brainless bureaucrats had HALF the understanding you have shown...

...but, if they did, then we wouldn't be having this discussion.

Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment.

  • 3 votes
#4.3 - Sat Jan 28, 2012 9:31 PM EST
mstanley2265

I've had some people I knew have dealings with different states and foster care situations, and that's when I ran into the disabled adults etc. situations. I wasn't particularly fond of some of the group homes but since ARC was busy dismantling the centers well there you go. To me the cost per client in each of the group homes is going to be a whole lot higher in the long run because of the added expense of transportation for dental, psychiatric and medical. Then there is the mileage that the group home gets for all of that too and the allocation for meals.... See me sneering?

One of the so called staff at one of those group homes, was rather young. I got to chit chat with her. Turned out she graduated HS, got a job at a shoe store and the next job? guessed it at the group home. But she was suppose to be taking classes....yeah right, most of the clients were older than her.

There is also the availability of the d, p and m services, how long will they have to wait to get a new patient appointment? How long for follow-up visits.. Out in the civilian world it's usually a month to 6 weeks for older patients. For new patients as long as two months.

  • 3 votes
#4.4 - Sat Jan 28, 2012 9:39 PM EST
bitemore

#4.4: I've had some people I knew have dealings with different states and foster care situations, and that's when I ran into the disabled adults etc. situations. I wasn't particularly fond of some of the group homes but since ARC was busy dismantling the centers well there you go.

And, yes, I see you sneering. See me mirroring you. Turns out that every one of the questions you raised has been brought up at the meetings RV attends. They are currently looking for a pro-bono attorney to get on board... but you are absolutely 100% correct in everything you have said, and the questions you have been asking. One of the BIG problems is the Commonwealth of Virginia, itself, which has, for a long time, been trying to get rid of the training centers; Virginia Republicans have used it as a political tool... so, instead of fighting the DOJ, Virginia has gone along with it. The only thing that makes the situation somewhat less futile is that Virginia has a one-term governor (term limits), so we can hope that in 2013 that voters will have discovered their own humanity and vote the Republicans O-U-T (of state political office). Of course, we cannot hold our collective breath... but where some states successfully beat down the DOJ, Virginia has gone in lock-step with it, making the battle that much more difficult, and more costly. If taxpayers had any idea how much money is going to go down the tubes to pay lawyers for the next umpteen years, there would be a massive taxpayer revolt RIGHT NOW!

  • 4 votes
#4.5 - Sat Jan 28, 2012 9:54 PM EST
mstanley2265

That's a point that needs to be brought out also. And the finances of ARC also. As to Pro Bono, good luck on that, better to start having yard sales and bake sales to help a lawyer defray some of their costs. Offer to do some of the legwork if they can, getting forms to the clerk's office etc. whatever you can do to help one. ....They're fighting the state and there's no money in it if they win, unlike a civil case.

  • 3 votes
#4.6 - Sat Jan 28, 2012 10:13 PM EST
bitemore

#4.6: ..They're fighting the state and there's no money in it if they win, unlike a civil case.

Good points. I'll be sure that RV sees them. Her board has a meeting on Monday and I'm sure that they will appreciate everything people have to say here. The more minds = the greater the chance of success!

  • 3 votes
#4.7 - Sat Jan 28, 2012 10:20 PM EST
mstanley2265

And PR lots of PR, posters, flyers, media, video's of people telling the issues, YouTube, FaceBook, Twitter. :)

  • 3 votes
#4.8 - Sat Jan 28, 2012 10:29 PM EST
o'stephanie

I am also wondering if thre are any Disability Rights groups in Virginia. This could well be an issue that Occupy Virginia might want to embrace. Many local Occupys are taking up local causes.

  • 5 votes
#4.9 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 12:46 AM EST
bitemore

#4.9: This could well be an issue that Occupy Virginia might want to embrace. Many local Occupys are taking up local causes.

That is worth a look, certainly!

#4.8: And PR lots of PR, posters, flyers, media, video's of people telling the issues, YouTube, FaceBook, Twitter. :)

Some excellent ideas. I have the link to this article (that I seeded) on my Facebook page. Need to look into Twitter. I'm passing all these ideas along to RV.

  • 3 votes
#4.10 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 8:01 AM EST
o'stephanie

There is an entire nation of Americans who are fed up with these kinds of injustices. Getting the word out will touch their hearts and minds and these ones will have many friends.

No longer the days of holding up those less fortunate than us as being a burden on society. People are seeing that this way lies Fascism and real death panels with the goal of saving money for the elite.

No More!

  • 3 votes
#4.11 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 9:17 AM EST
bitemore

#4.11: People are seeing that this way lies Fascism and real death panels with the goal of saving money for the elite.

I only hope enough people understand this, in time to prevent a disaster. There is a difference between being wealthy and being greedy... and I hope people understand this before there are endless tragedies...

  • 2 votes
#4.12 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 10:44 AM EST
o'stephanie

What we are seeing is a disregard on the part of the 1% of the humanity of the rest of us. Some of the founding fathers were scared to death of the patriotic and aroused citizenry just like these elites are. They see us as vermin, the unwashed masses, deserving of nothing good.

The resultant hatred of them that is arising in this nation should scare the hell out of them.

  • 3 votes
#4.13 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 1:39 PM EST
bitemore

#4.13: They see us as vermin, the unwashed masses, deserving of nothing good.

Funny, but that is how I see them...

  • 3 votes
#4.14 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 7:57 PM EST
o'stephanie

Yep!

  • 2 votes
#4.15 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 9:12 PM EST
Reply
Al-316

I could be wrong, but I would guess that this is based on saving money.

These homes provide a service which is available no where else. They should be maintained.

My suggestion is that the Federal government should start some Nation Building in Virginia.

  • 3 votes
Reply#5 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 12:08 AM EST
o'stephanie

Virginia is the home of Eric Cantor and AT&T. They may think that money is the only thing that talks there but I think that Remote Viewer and parents like her will let them no different!

  • 3 votes
#5.1 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 12:44 AM EST
bitemore

#5: My suggestion is that the Federal government should start some Nation Building in Virginia.

Good idea, but they are all too preoccupied with their own campaigns and trite sound bytes. When did the Federal Government last do ANYTHING really useful????

  • 3 votes
#5.2 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 8:03 AM EST
bitemore

#5.1: Virginia is the home of Eric Cantor and AT&T.

That says it all and gives you an idea as to what a tough row to hoe this Cause will be. Ordinary people simply do not make it onto their radar... yet.

  • 3 votes
#5.3 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 8:05 AM EST
o'stephanie

We are not so ordinary. We can be extraordinary when we stand up to these miscreants.

Had a discussion in a group a few days ago about if we need the encampments anymore since we are engaging in dialogue. I allowed as we need both the carrot and the stick as--without the stick--they do not hear us.

It does not pay to be a polite good citizen. Not now.

  • 3 votes
#5.4 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 1:42 PM EST
bitemore

#5.4: It does not pay to be a polite good citizen. Not now.

You sure got that right!

  • 3 votes
#5.5 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 6:18 PM EST
o'stephanie

If we get organized, we get domesticated then we get sidetracked into ineffectiveness.

  • 3 votes
#5.6 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 9:14 PM EST
Reply
Enoch-2699399

What can those of us out of the area do to help?

  • 3 votes
Reply#6 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 1:13 AM EST
o'stephanie

Enoch,

You have such a gentle helpful spirit. While Remote Viewer is working with other parents to turn the tide, Bitemore has promised to bring us any petitions or letter/email campaigns our way and to keep us up to date.

There have been some good suggestions given here.

  • 2 votes
#6.1 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 2:10 AM EST
bitemore

#6: What can those of us out of the area do to help?

Dear, sweet Enoch, as soon as we have some ideas, I will either post them here or write a separate article. This fight is in its early stages. RV will be brainstorming with the board and if they come up with ideas, I will post them.

As someone here so astutely remarked, this is really a portent for the entire country... just because this issue is in Virginia, doesn't mean it isn't raising red flags that the entire nation needs to heed.

{{{{{Enoch}}}}}

  • 3 votes
#6.2 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 8:09 AM EST
bitemore

#6.1: There have been some good suggestions given here.

There certainly have, and I'm sure there will be many more, thanks to kind Viners like you and the others who have plunged in to brainstorm! I can't thank you all enough!

  • 3 votes
#6.3 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 8:10 AM EST
o'stephanie

Bitemore,

IT has been a pleasure to offer help.

Do bring us a new article for further news and we will come to help forward it. Just email everyone who commented so we can let others know.

Occupy our hearts!

  • 2 votes
#6.4 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 9:20 AM EST
bitemore

#6.4: Occupy our hearts!

I love that! It should be our rallying cry!

  • 2 votes
#6.5 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 10:45 AM EST
o'stephanie

Occupy is the perfect word. Can be used in so many ways.

Occupy your Spirit

Occupy your Education

Endless possibiliites...

  • 2 votes
#6.6 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 1:43 PM EST
bitemore

#6.6: Endless possibiliites...

Occupy the court and sue these bastards!

  • 2 votes
#6.7 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 6:18 PM EST
o'stephanie

Ooooooo, best one yet! Don't even need Occupiers. YOU are your own Occupiers!

  • 2 votes
#6.8 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 9:15 PM EST
Reply
Remote Viewer

Thank you, all, for your interest and concern. The ill-conceived DoJ raids are a nationwide problem; however, some state politicians - notably in Virginia - have long sought to close the Training Centers and have found the DoJ actions a very convenient bandwagon to climb aboard. Negotiations took place behind tightly closed doors between the DoJ and Virginia's Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) with the full approval of Governor McDonnell and Secretary William Hazel. No information whatsoever was made available to the families and associates of the affected residents despite constant letter writing campaigns, many visits to Richmond, and frequent requests for updates.

We are learning that, in the case of Virginia, the Commonwealth (make of that designation what irony you will) far exceeded the requirements of the DoJ where settlement terms were concerned. The DoJ, while hardly blameless in its pushing of an ideology unrelated to the needs of the subject population, wanted primarily a substantial increase in waivers to support community placement of those who desire it. It was expected that, as part of any settlement, the existing Training Centers would be downsized with the possible eventual closure of one of the five. However, Virginia's Republican legislators have long supported an agenda that includes closure of all the Training Centers. A Republican majority in the House of Delegates and an even split in the Senate (ties to be broken by the Republican Lieutenant Governor) have created a perfect storm of opportunity for Governor McDonnell and the DBHDS to move forward with this draconian agenda while disingenuously attempting to deflect all the onus onto the DoJ.

Here are some Web sites to watch for opportunities to join the fray. They have not yet been updated to reflect recent developments, but that is only a matter of a little time.

VOR
A national association supporting a full spectrum of care and services for the intellectually disabled.

Parents & Associates of the Northern Virginia Training Center
Our local organization that supports NVTC. Even though not yet updated, a look through its pages will give you an idea of the huge contribution the Training Centers make to their residents and the community as a whole.

Thanks again to each and every one who has read, commented, and offered suggestions and support.

  • 2 votes
Reply#7 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 11:07 AM EST
o'stephanie

Remote Viewer,

Bless you and thank you for bringing us these updates.

Wisconsin and American Idle comes to mind. When governments betray the people, it is such hard work to try to right the wrongs they do. This simply cannot stand.

Prayers to you and your fellow fighters for ID rights!

  • 2 votes
#7.1 - Sun Jan 29, 2012 2:19 PM EST
Reply
Augur Well

RV, and biteySis!

Kudos to you both, and vote out those bast*rds!

If I can make a suggest for folks looking for help, and/or vehicles (not the wheeled kinds! *grin*!) to just plain help with the issue,

NAMI is also a good clearinghouse for information, nationwide too, the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

(*fight'emgrins*!)

  • 1 vote
Reply#8 - Mon Jan 30, 2012 9:21 AM EST
bitemore

Thank you, L'il Bro! I've passed this info along to RV! Every scrap of info is useful... thanks for stopping by!

  • 1 vote
#8.1 - Mon Jan 30, 2012 10:51 AM EST
Reply
bitemore

UPDATE: RV is headed to a meeting at NVTC - that is this evening - and tomorrow she will be off to Richmond with other NVTC parents and members to have a powwow with legislators. Then, on Thursday, a CBS crew from Richmond will be doing a video at the NVTC and RV plans to be there, too, when the film crew arrives. The story seems to be gathering steam...

If anything develops from these events, I will post the updates here.

  • 2 votes
Reply#9 - Mon Jan 30, 2012 5:17 PM EST
Augur Well

Days and nights mixed up again, biteySis. Oh well. (heavy sigh!)

I shall be watching for updates! Thanks!

(*watchinggrins*!)

  • 2 votes
#9.1 - Wed Feb 1, 2012 12:55 AM EST
bitemore

L'il Bro, what on earth were you doing awake at that unholy hour? I sure hope you managed to get some sleep...

RV had quite the learning experience in Richmond, but said she'd put a comment about it here, so I won't preempt her. When she has a free moment, she'll post a few notes here.

{{{{{L'il Bro}}}}}

  • 1 vote
#9.2 - Wed Feb 1, 2012 10:41 AM EST
Augur Well

Just posted up my article you recommended. See!?!? L'il Bro's DO listen to their Big Sis'! (neener!)

Here it is!

(*neenergrins*!)

  • 1 vote
#9.3 - Wed Feb 1, 2012 12:57 PM EST
bitemore

Thanks, L'il Bro. I just left my comment on it. I really am so proud of you!

{{{{{L'il Bro}}}}}

  • 1 vote
#9.4 - Wed Feb 1, 2012 1:25 PM EST
Augur Well

Aww, you're so sweet to your L'il Bro!

(*blushinggrins*!)

  • 1 vote
#9.5 - Wed Feb 1, 2012 1:35 PM EST
Reply
Remote Viewer

As Bitey mentioned above (#9.4), yesterday's Richmond trip, which is sure to be one of many, was very enlightening. One of the most interesting things I learned was that support and opposition to the Training Centers among legislators does not run along party lines. It has more to do with the differences in perception between those on either side of the aisle who have gained any familiarity with the profoundly disabled population we represent, and those who have espoused an ideology without seeking any further understanding.

We found that most legislators had been given to believe that the DoJ had imposed the closing of the Training Centers as a condition of settlement, when in fact that was not the case at all (see #7). William Hazel, the Secretary of HHS (and quite a piece of work), has been telling everyone that it is a "done deal." We enlightened a number of senators and delegates along the way, and emphasized to all who would listen that there is no fait accompli unless we and our elected representatives fail individually and collectively to stand up to an administration that had its own agenda and decided to make an end run around the most important stakeholders. Our greatest challenge is that the most severely disabled end of the spectrum is numerically small, and that of course limits our political clout. But the quality of life and indeed the survival of our loved ones depend on being able to access the level of care they currently receive, so we will continue to explore all options, including legal action.

To get a feel for the richness of life at NVTC, see this video, made in December 2011. Sam Brock of the CBS affiliate in Richmond is the reporter, and Amah Arthur-Asmah did the videography. We have shared it with legislators to broaden their understanding of what is at stake. Mr. Brock will be back at NVTC tomorrow to do a follow-up. We expect to have some residents and several family members present to share their experiences and observations.

  • 2 votes
Reply#10 - Wed Feb 1, 2012 11:38 PM EST
bitemore

Thank you for that update, RV, especially that video... it goes a long way toward illustrating what makes NVTC different, and necessary. I wish you could get the same kind of video for your son... and others for whom NVTC is really the only realistic solution.

  • 1 vote
#10.1 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 8:25 AM EST
Augur Well

RV! Hello and I hope you're doin' ok these days, dear one!

Thanks for the update! I've been doing a bit of reading thru some of Sec Hazel's press statements the last couple of days. Some of his within just the last few days. It sure seems like "a piece of work" is putting it mildly.

But it is very encouraging to hear of the much wider than thought, maybe even anticipated, reception from across both sides of the aisle too.Very encouraging!

Best hopes and thoughts to you all! Troopers all!

(*♥RVgrins♥!*)

  • 1 vote
#10.2 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 11:02 AM EST
Reply
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