Illinois State Representative Charlie Meier is fighting alongside the parents of Gregory Dorsey as they try to retain control of their disabled son's care. Gregory was diagnosed with autism, anxiety and ADHD and currently resides not far from his family at Warren G. Murray Developmental Center, a state facility in Centralia run by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). But, the state agency wants to move Gregory to another State-Operated Developmental Center (SODC) hundreds of miles away in Waukegan. The family is opposed to the move, certain their son needs stability and to be near family, not moved to yet another facility too far away for frequent visits.
The Dorsey's says IDHS is pressuring them to give up guardianship and hand over control of their son's medical decisions to the state, something they are not willing to do. The parents are preparing for a sixth court hearing to prevent the state from sending their son nearly four hours away.
State Representative Charlie Meier continues to be a strong voice for individuals with disabilities within the Illinois General Assembly, particularly those with developmental and intellectual disabilities. He has been a vocal advocate for their rights and needs, including protecting their employment opportunities within 14(c) workshops, holding the state accountable for mismanagement calling for increased oversight and investigation into emergency incidents and alleged abuse and ensuring the Murray Developmental Center remained viable in Central Illinois so families could be near their loved ones who are in the care of the state.
The Dorsey's says IDHS is pressuring them to give up guardianship and hand over control of their son's medical decisions to the state, something they are not willing to do. The parents are preparing for a sixth court hearing to prevent the state from sending their son nearly four hours away.
“We don’t feel like we should have to give up guardianship to get help for our son,” said Gregory Dorsey’s father, William.
Rep. Meier, a long-time advocate for the disabled agrees.
“Repeatedly, for many years, I have gone to ask DHS for help and this is what we get, we get six court cases for this family and poor Greg to have to go through,” said Rep. Charlie Meier. “The agencies seem more focused on proving a point than actually helping the people under their supervision.”
Gregory's father said they couldn’t have gotten this far without the help of Rep. Meier.
“[Rep. Charlie Meier] has gone above and beyond,” said William Dorsey. “We wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for that man.”
Rep. Meier, a long-time advocate for the disabled agrees.
“Repeatedly, for many years, I have gone to ask DHS for help and this is what we get, we get six court cases for this family and poor Greg to have to go through,” said Rep. Charlie Meier. “The agencies seem more focused on proving a point than actually helping the people under their supervision.”
Gregory's father said they couldn’t have gotten this far without the help of Rep. Meier.
“[Rep. Charlie Meier] has gone above and beyond,” said William Dorsey. “We wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for that man.”
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