Speaking out for People with
 Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Choice Matters: VOR Testifies in New Jersey

Today, VOR testified at the New Jersey Task Force on the Closure of State Developmental Centers. Geoff Dubrowsky, VOR Board Member, spoke on our behalf, referencing his personal experiences as a father and uncle of individuals with profound intellectual disabilities and autism. He also referred to extensive written testimony submitted on behalf of VOR by VOR New York State Coordinators Cristy and Hugo (Hugh) Dwyer.

As the name indicates, the Task Force on the Closure of State Developmental Centers is a legislatively-created entity which is considering the fate of New Jersey's Developmental Centers. VOR testified in support of developmental centers, state licensed ICFs/MR. Our testimony provided quality, cost and legal justification for maintaining developmental centers and expanding their professional services to nonresidents.

"VOR offers the Task Force a unique organizational perspective, but one that is consistent with the perspective of families. Choice matters. VOR is the only national advocacy organization that supports the provision of a full spectrum of care options for individuals with ID/DD, from own home and smaller homes to federally-licensed larger residential homes (Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental Retardation (ICFs/MR)), including New Jersey’s Developmental Centers."

Read VOR's Written Statement Here

Read Geoff Dubrowsky's Compelling Statement to the Task Force Here.