JACKSONVILLE, Ill. (AP) — State officials have delayed the closure of an institution for people with developmental disabilities in central Illinois, saying it's taking longer than expected to place residents in suitable new homes.
The Springfield Journal-Register reports (http://bit.ly/R95IMs) the Jacksonville Developmental Center will remain open until Nov. 21. The Department of Human Services confirmed the original closure date of Oct. 31 has been pushed back.
Department spokeswoman Januari Smith Trader says many of the remaining 118 residents have been matched with providers of community-based housing. But she says some providers need to build ramps and make other upgrades to accommodate new residents.
The Jacksonville facility is one of several targeted for closure by Gov. Pat Quinn. The Democrat says the closures will save money and allow residents with disabilities to live more independently.
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Information from: The State Journal-Register, http://www.sj-r.com
