“Texas operates 13 state supported living centers, large institutional homes, for the severely intellectually disabled. This is more than any other state. But these SSLC’s are troubled institutions. The Department of Justice found that these centers were so poorly run that the state was violating the civil rights of the residents. The DOJ found that the residents were routinely abused, neglected and exploited. The radio report, “Texas Matters: Problems Facing State Supported Living Centers” examines the failed efforts by the state of Texas to meet the basic standards set by the DOJ and established in an out of court settlement with the state. The Texas Matters report also tells the story of Sean Yates, who died while under the care of the Corpus Christi SSLC and who apparently was a victim of a “Fight Club” at the center. Employees at the center created the Fight Club for their amusement by forcing the severely autistic residents to attack and pummel each other. The Yates family was never informed of the Fight Club and Sean’s possible involvement. Texas has announced plans to shut down some of the SSLC’s but there are still many questions like will the residents receive improved treatment and medical care. It’s also unclear what will happen with the DOJ’s inspections now the the five-year-settlement has expired. The conditions at the SSLCs remain substandard and Texans need to be made aware of these ongoing scandals.”
