Governor's order leaves disabled with few options, resources
By Drew Harwell, Times Staff Writer
In Print: Friday, April 8, 2011
CLEARWATER — Dozens of developmentally disabled Pinellas County residents will lose their homes and treatment programs due to sudden budget cuts instituted last week by Gov. Rick Scott.
(snip)
At the Upper Pinellas Association for Retarded Citizens in North Pinellas, 30 people in group homes and day treatment programs were discharged from services they had depended on for years. Their support coordinators now have 30 days to find replacements for homes, caregivers and treatments, many of them highly specialized.
One of those discharged is Catherine Smith, 29, who has severe behavioral problems and the mental capacity of a 10-year-old. For the last seven years, she has received 24-hour care in a women's group home in Palm Harbor staffed by people with special training in dealing with such behavior issues. Catherine recently was hospitalized for stabbing a pen under her skin.
(snip)
Timothy Smith, a father of five who fought in court to find Catherine a home to suit her needs, said she is having trouble dealing with the emotions of the change.
(snip)
Smith voted for Scott for governor because he recognized the state's financial issues, but now questions his judgment.http://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/governors-order-leaves-disabled-with-few-options-resources/1162427Unlike his daughter I have absolutely no sympathy for this man. He likely thought the "freeloaders" he and his Tea Party were going to kick off the dole were all brown skinned.