Despite the assurances of various clothing labels, one size rarely fits all, in clothing and in life. This is especially true when it comes to taking care of individuals who have very specialized needs.
One-size-fits-all labels can do a disservice when they are applied with a broad brush to a population such as the developmentally disabled and intended to cover the bumps and fill in the dips of their individualities.
Government-sponsored services for this group of individuals has been the subject of much debate in this state for a number years.
A half-century ago, the one-size service was institutionalization, coming in the form of facilities such as Fircrest School in Shoreline. More recently, the pendulum has swung toward community-based residential care, houses in neighborhoods. Proponents of both approaches make similar arguments that their plan offers more efficient and better care. Each side also points to abuses and lapses of care under the other system as evidence of the correctness of their crusade.
The reality is that no single approach can possibly be appropriate for every individual. Abuse and lapses in care are evidence that any system is at the mercy of the frailties of humankind, frailties that must braced but are unlikely to be eradicated.
Recently, supporters of several former Fircrest residents filed a lawsuit, claiming a move to another institution did harm to their charges. On the other hand, the state is in the midst of investigating several group homes over concerns of inadequate care.
One need only to look at these examples – and many others – to see past the rhetoric and see that one size does not fit all and that a full spectrum of care choices must be available.
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