The Glenwood Resource Center in Iowa, a facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities, is set to permanently close after federal investigators found that patients’ rights were being violated. The closure will result in the relocation of 28 residents by the end of June and the layoff of 235 staff members. Governor Kim Reynolds announced the decision to close the facility in 2022, following scathing reports from the U.S. Department of Justice condemning the state’s treatment of individuals with disabilities. The reports alleged that Iowa was not providing adequate services to integrate patients into their communities, potentially violating the Americans with Disabilities Act.
A report released in December 2020 revealed that the Glenwood Resource Center likely violated residents’ constitutional rights by subjecting them to human experiments, including sexual arousal research deemed dangerous by federal investigators. As a result, most residents have been moved from the 380-acre campus to community-based settings, such as residential facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, host homes, nursing facilities, or hospice care. Some residents were transferred to Iowa’s other facility, the Woodward Resource Center, which has also faced citations for deficiencies in the past.
The closure of the Glenwood Resource Center is part of a larger effort to address systemic issues in Iowa’s treatment of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The state has been under scrutiny for failing to provide adequate care and services, leading to violations of patients’ rights. The decision to close the facility reflects a commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals with disabilities and improving the quality of care they receive.
The closure of the facility has raised concerns about the impact on both residents and staff members. While the relocation of residents aims to provide them with better care and support in community-based settings, the layoffs of staff members will have significant economic consequences for those affected. The state will need to ensure that residents are properly transitioned to new facilities and that staff members receive the necessary support and resources during this challenging time.
Moving forward, state officials will need to address the underlying issues that led to the closure of the Glenwood Resource Center and take steps to improve the quality of care for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Iowa. This may involve implementing new policies and practices to ensure that patients’ rights are protected and that they receive the services and support they need to thrive in their communities. By addressing these issues, the state can work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities in Iowa.
