Terry DeBell, a registered nurse for more than 40 years, currently serves on the boards of several organizations involved in services for people with developmental disabilities. She also serves on a Governor’s Advisory Board and frequently gives testimony to the California Legislature. Her primary focus is on those with a severe or profound disability who are presently served in two of California's Developmental Centers. She is closely involved with the closure of one other Developmental Center, working with other families, the Department of Developmental Services, and Regional Centers to ensure that the residents are able to transition to a non-DC community setting safely and successfully.
A component of NAHAC’s mission is to support public education and foster effective self-advocacy. During this teleconference session Terry will address the following topics:
- An historical perspective on the treatment of people with disabilities, from ancient times to the present. Attitudes from Greek and Roman philosophers, major world religions and science have shaped a cultural perception of disability that is, on the one hand quite negative, but on the other hand very person-centered.
- The effects of the Lanterman Act which requires provision of social services for every person with developmental disabilities in the State of California; the Supreme Court decision ruling in favor of the Olmstead Act which guarantees that people with developmental disabilities have the right to live in the “least restrictive” environment.
- The complicated and, at times, divisive process of moving residents from large developmental centers to community based services.
