Disappointing day in Augusta

On the way to film at Gracewood, I hydroplaned off the expressway into an embankment about 20 miles from the hospital.   I was not seriously injured but my car was not driveable, so I missed the filming.   The rest of the day was spent trying to get back home.    I also had to miss an interview scheduled with a psychologist who is an expert on autism.     That has been rescheduled with the aide of my colleague, Blair Rinn.    Thanks Blair!!!

Gracewood

I visited the campus of Gracewood Hospital and did a bit of filming with the family of a Gracewood resident.   I am learning a great deal about a recent settlement between the Justice Department and the State of Georgia, which would move most of the developmentally disabled patients out of Gracewood and similar facilities.   My concern is that there do not appear to be enough suitable places for the disabled once they leave Gracewood.   
I will be filming inside the hospital next week, as I have been invited to a meeting being held there and also might be able to attend a clinical meeting there with the parent of one of the residents.   It is an amazing opportunity and I am so thankful to the family who allowed me into their lives.   Thank you Ann!  

Families in Crisis

I am going to be talking to families in crisis this week and will, most likely, be in Augusta for part of the week.   There is a State Hospital there called Gracewood, which houses hundreds of medically fragile people with developmental disabilities.   Parents with children there are very concerned that the hospital will close and there will be no place at all for their children to receive treatment.   Some of these individuals are on respirators, so it would be virtually impossible for them to be cared for in a family home.   I have contacted some community leaders who are going to help me navigate the Gracewood issue and understand all the factors at play.    They are amazing and I have no idea how they keep their energy up with all that is on their plate.