February 7th Event Honors Minnesotans
Who Helped Achieve the Shift to Community Living
2001 is first year where all citizens with developmental disabilities are freed from institutional care facilities
The Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities honored those who made major contributions in attaining the goal of freeing those with developmental disabilities from institutional care at a special recognition lunch on Wednesday, February 7th, at the St. Paul Hotel.
More than 100 Minnesotans, including former governors, judges, medical and social service professionals, community leaders and families, were recognized for the roles they played in a successful 50-year changeover to a more humane and respectful system. For the first time, the State of Minnesota began a year where all citizens with developmental disabilities were in community living or family settings, freed from the institutional care facilities of the past.
Among those who took part in the event were former governors Elmer L. Anderson and Arne Carlson, together with former U.S. Senator Dave Durenberger, family representatives for governors receiving the honors posthumously, and a host of leaders in the effort, past and present. Recognition also was extended to several individuals with disabilities, members of families with people with developmental disabilities, and more than a dozen organizations.