By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, March 30, 2011
TOPEKA — A Topeka organization that works with the developmentally disabled has agreed to explore the possibility of running Kansas Neurological Institute.
"All of our conversations up to this point have been extremely preliminary," said Eileen Doran, who becomes executive director for TARC, effective April 4. "But we have a very strong commitment to the people at KNI and because of that commitment we have agreed to at least look at any proposal the state might have with respect to KNI."
TARC, in operation since 1962, is a community-based program for people with developmental disabilities. KNI is one of two state hospitals for the severely developmentally disabled. The other is Parsons State Hospital.
Gov. Sam Brownback has proposed closing KNI over a 23-month period, starting July 1.
Most of KNI's 157 residents are unable to walk, speak, bathe or feed themselves.
Several legislators, including the Topeka delegation, oppose closing KNI.
"The TARC board of directors has not taken a position on closure at KNI," Doran said. "This is not something that we have studied closely so at this point, it would very premature for us as an advocacy organization – and as service organization - to speak to the issue of closure. But I think it’s clear that the people at KNI are fragile and the decisions that are being talked about need to be made very carefully. This isn’t something to rush in to."
Earlier this week during his confirmation hearing, Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services Secretary Rob Siedlecki told legislator that he had approached TARC and Stormont-Vail HealthCare to gauge their interest in possibly running the facility.
A spokeswoman for Stormont-Vail on Tuesday said the hospital was not interested in taking over KNI.
Doran said TARC’s mission currently does not include, "having or running an ICFMR," a term referring to an intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded.
TARC does not offer residential services.
In Topeka, Sheltered Living Inc. is the largest provider of residential services for people with developmental disabilities.
"We’ve not been contacted nor have we been in on any discussion relating to the future of KHI," said Sheltered Living Executive Director Lisa Jackson.
On Wednesday, the Kansas House voted, 59-50, to favorably recommend creating a seven-member commission to oversee the proposed closing of KNI.
The Senate Ways and Means Committee has voted to not close KNI.
The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Siedlecki's appointment, 34-1. Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, D-Topeka, was the only vote against the confirmation. Hensley said he had various concerns about Siedlecki for the job.
The state hospital is expected to spend almost $29 million - $10.5 million from the State General Fund - in the current fiscal year, which ends June 30.
Currently, Doran is director of programs at the YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment in Topeka.
The acronym TARC refers to the parent-led association that started the program: Topeka Association for Retarded Citizens.