Behind the Lines
Failing Darla
For too long, the considerable needs of developmentally disabled Texans have gone unmet. It’s time to end the abuse and neglect.
8 comments
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010, 8:27 pm
Elizabeth says:
Wow, this story is heartwrenching! But it makes me wondering about the other side of things. I know that stories normally only have one point and obviously this one is only the negative side. I agree that we need more funding in Texas to support people with developmental disabilities and provide quality care. But there’s more to it!
Friday, July 31st, 2009, 7:21 am
Cedric says:
Bravo..good story. The article was on point and served its purpose. Thank you.
Monday, July 27th, 2009, 11:47 pm
Rick says:
correction... no us reprentative in Harris County has co sponsored HR 868,,,, clarification edit.
Monday, July 27th, 2009, 11:43 pm
Rick says:
there is a bill in the US HOUSE to enhance the wages of Direct Care Professionals, HR 868. The State of Texas had 8 co sponsors in the last session and at this posting only one co sponsor from Texas during this session... There are 32 US Representatives from Texas. The pay for those caring for the Intellectual Developmental Disabled (IDD) is close to the new minimum wage. The GREAT STATE of TEXAS can do better. Darla lives in Harris County and no US Reprentative has yet co sponsored HR 868.
Monday, June 29th, 2009, 4:40 pm
B.H. says:
When you researched this article, did you even bother to talk to anybody other than activists who oppose state schools? You totally disregarded the fact that there are parents who choose to place their children in a state institution AFTER their children have not been able to live successfully in a community home. We placed our teenaged son at Abilene because his aggressive behavior required more supervision than a community based group home could provide, and have been pleased with his care.
Abuse and neglect of the mentally disabled can happen anywhere. How can ANY state agency adequately police literally hundreds of homes with one or two staffers a shift?
Monday, June 22nd, 2009, 10:34 pm
carolyn says:
Ms.Swartz, God bless you for your taking the time to introduce us to all the injustices done to the mentally challenged. This is also prevalent among the physically disabled. This could be stopped but we have no politicians with enough courage to speak out or write legislation to protect these people. My heart and prayers go out to these people and the loved ones trying to protect their dignity. Sincerely, Carolyn
Thursday, June 18th, 2009, 5:41 pm
says:
http://www.marbridge.org/
Thursday, June 18th, 2009, 4:11 pm
Shanny Lott says:
Dear Mimi,
Thank you for your heart wrenching story Failing Darla. I wish you would do a follow up story on a place that is doing every thing right! Marbridge in Austin Texas has to be experienced to really get what a wonderful place it truly is. They provide life long care for people with cognetive challenges. It is a beauitful campus with loving care givers and staff. Please shine some light on the solution. I know it is important to expose these horrible problelms and I commend you for that..but take the time to shed some light on Marbridge.
Blessings
Shanny
My Library
