This letter is in response to the latest round of complaints about closing MD's 4 institutions.  I am a person with a disability I have lived in this community all my life.  My parents and I have fought hard for my right to be educated, to live on my own, to work, function and be happy within this community.  Mr. Smoot asks who will advocate for the disabled in my community.  Me and several people like me. I want people who live in those institutions to easily have access to things I had to fight for.  Including an appropriate place to live, real work for real pay, and a choice for ways to have fun and relax.  These are things that are not easily found in institutions.  Let us not forget most of these institutions were built in the 1950's. Laws that promote community inclusion have been on the books since 1970's and 80's. Yes, inclusion is more than education. It is the job of advocates and other residents to help create an inclusive community.  These laws are there to help us   Rural or not this is 2005. Is there really an excuse for staying this backward?

Joana Weaver