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Posted: 5:53 PM Oct 26, 2009
Topeka's KNI On Road To Closure
A state commission have voted to downsize two hospitals for people with severe disabilities, eventually closing the facility in Topeka.
Reporter: 13 News |
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10 Comments 
Topeka (WIBW) - The Kansas Neurological Institute in Topeka will stay open, but only for now.
The state's Facilities Closure and Realignment Commission voted seven to three Monday to downsize both KNI and Parsons State Hospital. The facilities care for people with severe disabilities.
The plan is to move as many people as possible to community-based services, then close KNI when enough space at Parsons is available for those who can't move into the community.
State Rep. Bob Bethell says families should be reassured that pushing toward community-based services will actually result in better care for patients. Plus, he says closing one hospital will make money available to put into community-based services.
State Rep. Nile Dillmore was critical of the plan. He says he supports a move toward community-based services. However, he says the state cannot fund the number of people on community-based services currently. He says, with that being the case, it's irresponsible to put more people on that system.
The Commission had been looking to cut money from the state budget by closing one or both facilities. They're also discussing the futures of the Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired and Rainbow Mental Health.
Their meeting continues Tuesday.
Latest Comments
As a born disabled Kansan in 1959 with Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy and I'm wheelchair bound and need total physical care. Instead of closing KNI consider turning it into an wheelchair accessible complex for people with physical disabilities. Kansas does not offer at this time in any measure enough wheelchair accessible apartments for this population to live independently meaning daily attendant care. I've lived in Wamego Kansas for over 17 years and so far the only thing Kansas has truly done well his pay my mother who is now 83 to be my care taker and another young woman who comes and does my twice weekly shower routine for the last five to 7 years. It's truly time for Kansas to come into the 21st century as far developing a better statewide living system for their ever growing population of disabled people who are born with their disabilities. Allow the disabled consumers as you the state of Kansas labels us run this living complex you will be surprised at how well it c
I know first hand that alot of these people came to live there as kids. How dare Brownback take these kids out of their homes. These kids know each other and the employees as their families. Why does he have to break up families. They would't be there if they could function in a home enviroment. The units are made to look like a home enviroment, but a whole lot safer for them. Shame on Brownback. He should go and live with them for awhile to see what they have to live for, without his family around! All they have is each other. They have grown up around each other, and don't think for one minute they don't have feelings and would miss each other. Brownback says he wants to take care of the kids in this State, so here's your chance. Do the right thing and LEAVE KNI ALONE!!!!!!!
What a shame that people think that closing down facilities that are REALLY needed for those with disabilities is beneficial. I work in a MR/DD facility and know first hand what they go through on a daily basis. Some are higher functioning than others but some are completely dependent on us! Who is going to help them out? They need the supports they have now to maintain their abilities and to continue reaching for positive learning. Many will never be able to live on their own or even hold a community job due to the supports they require. There has to be another avenue instead of downsizing and moving people from the supports they have.
