Clearing up discrepancies in ESS article

March 21, 2010

Anonymous The Laurel Leader-Call Sun Mar 21, 2010, 11:02 AM CDT

In a recent article in the Laurel Leader-Call regarding Ellisville State School and the services the facility provides to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities a few discrepancies were noted. The newspaper reported that Ellisville State School serves over 60 individuals in community based programs when in actuality the facility serves over 1,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through community based services.

Also, a quote was taken out of context indicating that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities reside at Ellisville State School because they could harm themselves or others and would otherwise be placed in jail if not for placement at Ellisville State School. The quote was actually in response to a question posed to Ellisville State School director, Renée Brett, asking if Ellisville State School would be affected by the possibility of some Department of Mental Health facilities being closed, as has been proposed by Governor Haley Barbour. Brett responded that the facilities in question are the state funded mental health crisis centers which serve individuals with mental illness, not individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as served by Ellisville State School. She stated that because some individuals with mental illness could pose a threat to themselves or others they could possibly be sent to area jails to wait until services become available if the crisis centers are closed and jail is not an appropriate place for them.

In addition it was inaccurately reported that Ellisville State School was originally called the School and Colony for the Feebleminded. The correct name of the facility when it originated in 1920 was the Mississippi School and Colony for the Feebleminded.

Also, the article indicates that through a day services program individuals work on daily living skills such as personal grooming and learning to count money. The Day Habilitation Program is actually a collaborative effort between staff and the individuals’ families to formulate activities and learning experiences for individuals living with their families. The program also provides these individuals opportunities for community experiences.

Furthermore, in describing Ellisville State School’s intent to teach individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be as independent as possible Brett is misquoted as saying “The earlier we’re able to reach them the better. As they get older there are bigger problems and more expenses.” Brett was actually trying to convey that Ellisville State School strives to provide services at the earliest possible age which increases the individuals’ chances to live as independently as possible and reach their maximum potential.

— Jennifer Boswell

ESS Public Relations Director

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