The Glenwood Resource Center in Iowa, a facility for people with intellectual disabilities, is set to permanently close following federal investigations that revealed violations of patients’ rights. The center will be closed by the end of June, with 28 residents being moved out and 235 staff members being laid off. These actions come after scathing reports by the U.S. Department of Justice that condemned Iowa’s treatment of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, pointing to violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The Department of Justice’s report in December 2020 found that the Glenwood Resource Center likely violated residents’ constitutional rights by subjecting them to human experiments, including dangerous research on sexual arousal. This led to concerns about the facility’s practices and the treatment of its patients, prompting the decision to close the center and relocate residents to community-based settings. Most residents have been moved to facilities specifically designed for individuals with intellectual disabilities or to host homes, nursing facilities, or hospice care, according to Iowa’s health agency spokesperson Alex Murphy.
The closure of the Glenwood Resource Center has left many staff members without jobs, as 235 employees have been notified of their layoffs. This decision comes as a result of the facility’s failure to meet federal standards for the treatment of individuals with intellectual disabilities and the violation of patients’ rights, as highlighted by the Department of Justice’s reports. The closure of the center also raises questions about the future of Iowa’s Woodward Resource Center, another facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities that has also been cited as deficient in the past.
The move to close the Glenwood Resource Center reflects a broader issue within the state of Iowa regarding the treatment of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Department of Justice’s condemnation of Iowa’s practices and the violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act highlight the need for improved care and support for this vulnerable population. The closure of the facility and the relocation of residents to community-based settings signal a shift towards a more holistic and integrated approach to caring for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
The closure of the Glenwood Resource Center is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to ensure the rights and well-being of individuals with intellectual disabilities in Iowa. By shutting down the facility and relocating residents to more appropriate settings, the state is taking steps to address the deficiencies identified by federal investigators and the Department of Justice. This decision reflects a commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of individuals with intellectual disabilities and working towards providing them with the support and care they deserve.
As Iowa works to improve its services for individuals with intellectual disabilities, the closure of the Glenwood Resource Center serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the well-being and rights of this vulnerable population. By addressing the issues identified by federal investigators and the Department of Justice, the state can move towards a more inclusive and supportive system of care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The closure of the facility and the relocation of residents mark a step towards a more compassionate and respectful approach to caring for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Iowa.