|
Following a VOR meeting in Washington, D.C. in 1999, MCAR was
founded by a group of concerned parents, siblings, and friends of persons with MR/DD who recognized the need for a voice for
choice for our family members and friends. A growing trend in de-institutionalization and forced community placement in Maryland,
and throughout the country, had resulted in the closure of seven out of eleven of Maryland's state residential centers (SRCs)
-- even though many families had opposed closure and community placement for their family members. The remaining four facilities
in Maryland -- Brandenburg Center in Cumberland, Holly Center in Salisbury, Potomac Center in Hagerstown, and Rosewood Center
in Owings Mills -- were also being downsized and were now home to persons with severe mental retardation and developmental
disabilities.
Due to the complexity of their disabilities, medical fragility, behavorial issues, etc., parents and
guardians felt it was in the best interest of their family members to have the choice of remaining in their current homes
(SRCs), but state policy did not allow for choice. State policy dictated that the centers would face closure and everyone
would be moved into the community. Choice between continued residence at the SRCs and community placement would not be an
option without the united voice of these concerned parents, therefore MCAR was formed. Since its first meeting, the membership
of MCAR has continued to grow, and the organization has been incorporated. MCAR works to promote the right to choice, accountability
and quality care.
MCAR distributes a newsletter several times throughout the year highlighting current issues and
concerns. The organization actively works to educate the public and our elected officials about the importance of choice and
the need for strong oversight in the issue of safety for our family members living in the community and the SRCs.
MCAR
works closely with the Maryland Community Resource Center Coalition (MD CRC Coalition) to retain the four residential centers
and to promote their transition into centers which would offer a wide range of services to individuals with developmental
disabilities and their caregivers. (See MD CRC Coalition)
|