"Each disabled person is entitled to treatment in the most integrated setting possible for that person-recognizing that, on a case by case basis, that setting may be an institution [RHC] ."    Justice Ginsburg  (Excerpt from Supreme Court Opinion June '99 Olmstead v. L.C.

The future of Fircrest appears to be in better shape now, thanks to our supportive members, the Shoreline community  as well as the support of  our enlightened public officials, including Governor Gregoire and House Speaker Frank Chopp.

A notion that needs to be addressed, however, is the idea that Residential Habilitation Centers (R,H.C,s) are necessarily more restrictive environments than private care. Most of the people with cognitive developmental disabilities in the "mild to moderate" diagnosis may not need Fircrest, except during a time of crisis or when a placement does not work. The 3% of people with a "severe/profound diagnosis are the most likely to need the services provided at Fircrest. Many clients prefer the safety and environment of an RHC. Some are able to walk to work, others use walkers or bicycle on campus, go to the coffee shop and purchase items of choice. The point is that restrictions and preferences are highly individualistic. The Olmstead court honored this dynamic. Some well meaning advocates don't recognize it.

Fircrest and the State of Washington should be proud, not ashamed, that people of any age, including children, may access needed services. Fircrest is not an institution from a Dickens novel. It is a state of the art services center where people live in cottages on a campus setting. It is a wholesome and loving environment and the need for services should not be age dependent.  Ideally no child would ever need Fircrest, would not have a disabling condition and would have an exemplary and wealthy family to care for them. We don't live at Lake Wobegone (where all children are above average).

Fircrest is a first rate facility where one can stabilize or live for a longer term, free to leave as one desires with considerable state assistance.      

Visit www.fircrestfriends.org for more information or call FOF at 206-729-3600.