Residents deserve better

The violations against Lakeland Village are violations against human beings.

I am the parent of a 12-year-old who experiences intellectual and developmental disabilities. If she had been born 40 years ago, I would have been told to leave her in an institution, and forget about her. She is part of the Spokane community. She lives, attends school and plays in the community.

In January 2015, state surveyors spent over two weeks at Lakeland interviewing residents and staff, observing living spaces, and reviewing client records and facility policies. They documented 193 pages worth of new findings.

Residents were abused and restrained. Residents were denied the very services they went to Lakeland to receive. Residents were denied their basic rights.

“Problems at Lakeland became a concern in 2011 …” It is 2015! It is time to close the facility and move the residents into the community, where their needs can be met and they are no longer isolated.

People are living and thriving outside of institutions. People with very significant care needs are living at home. They are living life in their community. Everyone who lives at Lakeland deserves better.

Darci Ladwig

Spokane Valley