Development center not a failure

I have been upset many times with the legislature in regards to SB411, to close the Montana Development Center.

One of the most disrespectful comments made was by Rep. Noland who said “If it was in a good town they could get good people.” Several of us emailed him asking for an apology but have not received one.

It was said that the MDC was a failure.

All through the facilities history it has never been a failure. It has not been perfect and some bad things have happened there but the fact that the local people mostly call it “The State School” is because no matter what type of client was/is being served  they were/are teaching them how to get along in the world outside of the facility.

From the earliest with the “Deaf and Blind” to the present “Developmentally Challenged with Mental Diagnosis and Behavior Problems” there have been many success stories.

I worked there for 22 years, only working with the clients during two strikes, and I have nothing but admiration for those who have and still do.  Overall the employees of MDC should be praised not humiliated as was done by many of the legislative body.

It was said many times that the clients will be placed in there own hometown; this is a lie. No way are they going to build a group home in Antelope, Colstrip, Silver Star, etc. 

I am very concerned about the fate of these clients if SB 411 becomes law. 

—Ellen Rae Thiel, Boulder