Developmental Centers Needed

Thank you for the Jan. 10 article about Fairview Developmental Center (“Changes at Fairview Stir Unease”). I have received nothing but positive comments about the article and photos of our children.

The article made every reader aware how necessary it is to keep all six developmental centers in California open and not close them, as Gov. Pete Wilson is intent on doing.

Any readers that agree with us parents and would write a letter to the governor telling him so would be greatly appreciated.

JOE PRESTON

Anaheim

I read with great interest your article about Fairview.

I am very grateful that I am retired from the regional center system and am no longer responsible for finding that placement in the community for a person who must leave Fairview.

Your next step must be to follow up with a contact with regional centers, who are responsible for community placement. The court system orders community placement, but how many places have been developed in the community? What is the quality of those facilities in the community?

Of course the families are concerned when their relative must make a change. Tell those families that there are a few excellent facilities to help the person with developmental disabilities in the community. Tell our state government that there must be more community facilities before the residents of the state hospital can be moved.

ALMA BOWMAN

Seal Beach