To Our Residents

Moving into the community
There's been a lot happening at the Fort Wayne State Developmental Center this year. New faces, new ways of doing things, new changes in your day-to-day life. And now you hear that the Fort Wayne Center - your home for many years - is closing. And that you're going to be living in the community.

A lot to think about
That's scary. And that's exciting too, isn't it? Maybe you can get a job! Or be closer to your family so you can visit them more often. Or maybe have a cat or a dog for a pet. There's a lot to think about, isn't there?

And questions to be answered
When Superintendent Ed Wright talked with you in October 2005, you had many good questions for him. We've listened to you and we've put your questions and the answers here for you to read.


Your Questions and Answers

Who is going to make the decision about where I'm going to go?
You and your families will. We have what's called a transition process that we'll go through with you. We'll ask you questions about what you like to do and where you'd like to live and what would make a wonderful day for you.

Can I go back home to where my Mom and Dad are?
For some of you that may be possible.

Can I go and live with my staff?
Maybe. We're looking into this as a possible foster arrangement.

Who should I talk to about moving?
You should talk to your case manager about the kind of place you want to live. But you can talk to anyone you like and trust about your feelings and fears about moving.

How quickly is this going to happen?
That depends upon you and your family and what type of home you choose. For some of you that are medically fragile, a new group home may have to be built before you can move. We want to be sure that we're placing you in the very best place for you to be so we'll be taking the time we all need to make sure of this.

But the Center is supposed to close on June 30, 2007.
Yes, that's the target date for closing. However, we want to be sure that we're placing you in the very best place for you to be so we'll be taking the time we all need to make sure of this. That might mean that we'll need more time beyond the target date.

What will happen to my money that I have in the bank here?
Your money will be transferred to a new bank, one near you.

What about my furniture, my TV, my clothes?
You'll be able to take the things that belong to you to your new home.

Who will help me move?
The Center and your new provider agency will help you move the things that belong to you to your new home

I have friends here. The people here are my family. What will happen if I don't want to move?
We're all anxious about changes in our lives, but changes always come. When we're faced with change, we need support from the people who care about us. Even though the Center will close, the people who care about you will still be around. Some of the staff who care about you may be working in the home you move into. Your family may live closer than they do now. You might move into a home with your best friend. You'll have new friends and new staff who will care about you in your new home.

The truth is, the Center is going to close and everyone will have to move. Instead of spending your time and energy saying you don't want to move, it might be better to spend your time telling people where and what you want your new home to be.

Why is the Center closing?
There are two reasons. The first is that we've learned as caregivers that caring for people in smaller numbers in the community is better for them. When you're in your own home in the community, you can get up in the morning and make toast and coffee and sit down to eat breakfast in your pajamas, just like other people do! You can't do that here at the Center.

Would you like to know how other individuals with developmental disabilities like yours are doing in the community? Read their success stories here!

The second reason is that it costs less to live in the community. The cost of living here at the Center is about three times as high as living in the community. And people living in the community may not be getting the services they need because of the high cost of maintaining the Center. With the savings, those people can now be helped too.

What will happen to the buildings and furniture and cars at the Center?
The furniture and cars will go back to the state and the state will decide how they will be divided up. The buildings and land will go to the University.

What's going to happen to the staff? Will they have jobs? Will they be able to pay their bills?
There will always be jobs for people who are good caregivers and therapists. Just because the Center is closing doesn't mean that there won't be any jobs for people. Many staff will find work with provider agencies, maybe the one where you will be living.