We urge those same people to stay active and vocal as this plan plays out. The Pauls Valley and Enid centers are scheduled to close in 2014 and 2015, respectively. In pursuing the closures, commissioners committed to a variety of supportive measures, including individual case managers and financial assistance. Commissioners also asked the governor's office to establish a panel to create a plan for supporting the developmentally disabled and their families and to figure out how to help those seeking services either in home or private care.
These aren't the actions of callous or politically motivated individuals but rather a compassionate group of Oklahomans who believe a community private-care strategy will better serve some of our state's most vulnerable residents.
Many political accusations were thrown around last week. The commission would have been playing politics if it had further delayed a decision that was already overdue.
The transition won't be without hardship for the home's residents, their families and employees. The state simply must make good on its promises to make this change as smooth as possible for all involved.
