People with disabilities have the right to choose where and how they receive their Four months following the DOJ Report stating that Iowa is violating the rights of individuals with disabilities, Glenwood Resource Center, an institution from the report, is being closed.
GLENWOOD, Iowa. — Governor Reynolds announced today that Glenwood Resource Center, a well-known institution for Iowans with developmental disabilities will begin the process to be fully closed by 2024. This comes as a direct result of the DOJ Report from December 8th, 2021 that condemned the treatment of individuals with disabilities within institutions like Glenwood.
Cyndy Miller, Legal Director of Disability Rights Iowa states: “Disability Rights Iowa supports the decision to close Glenwood Resource Center. We have repeatedly expressed concern over the years regarding the difficulty of resolving the problems identified in multiple investigations and how the isolated region where the facility is located makes it difficult for the state to provide sufficient oversight and find well-trained and specialized staff to meet the residents’ needs. We look forward to working with DHS on the transition of Glenwood’s residents and will continue to push to increase the community-based services for people with disabilities so they can live free of abuse, neglect and have their needs met in a way that enhances their quality of life.”
Disability Rights Iowa’s mission is clear: defend and promote the human and legal rights of Iowans with disabilities and mental illness. Decisions like this are hard to come to, but given the evidence raised in the DOJ Report, we are certain this decision serves to protect individuals with disabilities from the threat of harm.
