Panel OKs closure of home for disabled

BOLINGBROOK – A state board has voted to allow the closure of a central Illinois institution for the developmentally disabled.

The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board voted 6-1 on Tuesday to let the Illinois Department of Human Services close the Jacksonville Developmental Center. The decision came after board members heard from dozens of people, including parents of residents who wanted the center to remain open.

As of Tuesday morning nearly 100 people still lived at the center. The state says it has found home for all but about a dozen of those residents.

Gov. Pat Quinn wants to close the center and move residents into community care, including group homes and their own apartments.

– Wire report

The closure was set for today but has been delayed until Nov. 21.