Politics

Either agree or stay home

A tax-funded summit on disabilities and "inclusion" excludes dissenters.

By STEVE BOUSQUET
Published June 19, 2007

TALLAHASSEE - A taxpayer-funded, invitation-only conference on caring for people with developmental disabilities opened amid controversy Monday at an elegant Orlando hotel.

The event has reopened old wounds between two groups with fiercely held opposing views: those who consider institutions a suitable setting for people with disabilities, and those who consider that "segregation."

"Because it is so contentious, and we represent and serve all people, it was recommended that I not attend, " said Jane Johnson, director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. "It's not right for the agency to come down on one side or the other. We serve people in all settings."

Johnson said her absence was prompted in part by e-mails sent to Gov. Charlie Crist and other state officials, criticizing the summit, which began with a reception and dinner Monday at the Peabody Hotel in Orlando.

The three-day "Inclusion Now! Summit" is being hosted by the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, which draws most of its budget from federal funds.

The goal, an organizer said, is to encourage people with disabilities to become more integrated in society, rather than living in group homes or institutions.

"What we want to do is create more choices, " said organizer Nila Benito of Lutz, the council's treasurer and mother of two autistic sons, who works on issues for the University of South Florida.

People with disabilities, she said, "are the last minority that it appears okay to segregate."

About 80 people are attending the all-expense-paid summit. Benito confirmed that only people who support the choice concept were invited.

"The first criteria was people who were change agents, who already have a belief in inclusion, " Benito said.

But what Benito calls choice, some families worry is a campaign to close down group homes and institutions.

"This is an abuse, and it's not right, " said Don Stover of New Port Richey, who e-mailed his complaints to state officials.

Stover said his son has lived for 40 years at a state-run mental institution in Fort Myers.

"Our son has had a good life, and they're giving him the best of care, " said Stover, who called Benito "a very stubborn old lady."

Stover and others have written to Crist and legislators, asking why the council can use public funds to exclude people from a conference devoted to the theme of "inclusion."

Benito said anyone can attend events where public comment will be taken, but not at the working-group seminars. She added she would meet personally with anyone critical of the conference.

The summit comes at a time when families of the developmentally disabled are reeling from steep state cuts in services, implemented by the Legislature to close an agency budget deficit.

The disabilities council's project budget summary shows a payment of $126, 000 for the "inclusion summit research and facilitation, " to be paid to Syracuse University, another $133, 000 for a "grass roots campaign" and a $19, 000 fee to an "inclusion summit planner."

Debra Dowds, the council's executive director, said the group got discounts for $129-a-night rooms and free meeting rooms, but added: "The cost of the food is exorbitant."

Dowds said that under federal law, the council must work to build "inclusive communities."

"We want people to be in the community. We want them living in their own home, " Dowds said. "And we're going to invite people who believe in that."

Steve Bousquet can be reached at bousquet@sptimes.com or 850 224-7263.

[Last modified June 19, 2007, 03:57:29]