Morgan’s Story
Abuse, Neglect, Discharge Team
“Morgan’s” story must be shared to raise awareness of the struggles faced by people with disabilities. Morgan had spent most of his life in an institutional setting before meeting IDR staff in 2019. Since then, IDR has advocated for Morgan’s right to live in a community-based setting. The Abuse, Neglect and Discharge team fought passionately for Morgan’s rights. This is Morgan’s story.
Morgan was first admitted to Larue Carter Hospital (LCH) in 1967, when he was five years old, for treatment of autism and moderate intellectual disability. In 1968, he returned to his family’s home, where he lived until 1973. He was then admitted to Logansport State Hospital (LSH), where he lived from 1973-1977. In 1977, Morgan was transferred from LSH to LCH. In June 1978, when he was 15 years old, Morgan underwent a bilateral frontal lobotomy.
In August 1978, Morgan was transferred to Evansville State Hospital (ESH) where he remained for 41 years. In 2019, with the assistance of IDR, Morgan was discharged from ESH to a Comprehensive Rehabilitative Management Needs Facility (CRMNF) in Greencastle. At the time of his discharge from ESH, Morgan was 57 years old. He had been institutionalized for a total of 47 years.
While at the CRMNF, Morgan had few behaviors, and in August 2021, the Bureau of Disability Services (BDS) provided Morgan’s guardians with alternate placement information. The guardians spent the next several years fighting against Morgan’s discharge.
In early 2023, Morgan was diagnosed with cancer and the guardians returned to fighting against his discharge. Guardians refused additional testing and treatment for the cancer. Though the CRMNF could not meet the inevitable need for hospice care in the facility, the guardians continued to fight against and refuse to consent to Morgan’s discharge.
The discharge was further delayed by the Bureau of Disability Services (BDS) refusing to invoke their placement authority. When BDS moved forward, there were multiple delays resulting in Morgan’s health continuing to decline. IDR continued to monitor Morgan’s discharge, attending discharge meetings, and advocating for BDS to move forward with their placement authority. Morgan did not need the highly restrictive environment of the CRMNF and there was a waiting list for individuals needing this level of care.
Finally, in May 2024, three years after meeting discharge criteria, Morgan moved to a community-based placement for the first time in over 45 years. IDR staff were able to visit Morgan in his new home. Although he was not feeling well, he appeared very happy, and he even showed IDR staff around his new home. Unfortunately, Morgan succumbed to his illness 24 hours after being discharged from the CRMNF.
Morgan’s story illustrates the critical need for the work IDR does every day. Morgan will never be forgotten. IDR will continue to fight for the rights of people with disabilities.
Vincent’s Story
“Vincent” lived at LSH for 24 years. He asked IDR for help after he was on the discharge list for more than 100 days, because his gatekeeper refused to provide any services. With IDR’s help, Vincent was able to move into a less restrictive setting at RSH and was assigned a new gatekeeper.
Violet’s Story
“Violet” contacted IDR for help after she went to donate plasma, accompanied by her service animal, but was denied access. IDR advocated for Violet with the plasma center manager, who agreed to allow her to donate with the service animal present, on a trial visit. After a successful trial visit, the manager agreed to allow Violet’s service animal to accompany her to future plasma donations.
Vance’s Story
“Vance” is a high school student who was only being allowed to attend school 2.5 hours per day, due to past disability-related behaviors. The school also indicated that Vance may not be allowed to participate in his class’s graduation ceremony next year. Vance’s mother requested advocacy for her son to help him return to school full time, and to ensure Vance would be included in Commencement with his peers. With the assistance of IDR, Vance is back in school full time, and the school has agreed that Vance will be allowed to walk with his class at graduation in 2025.
Viktor’s Story
“Viktor” was hired to work as a supervising accountant but was terminated one week later while he asked for a reasonable accommodation because he is legally blind. IDR represented Viktor in filing a complaint with the EEOC, and later represented him in arbitration proceedings. After over two years of advocacy from IDR, Viktor entered a settlement agreement with the company.
Valerie’s Story
IDR helped “Valerie” to obtain a reasonable accommodation from her apartment management. Valerie uses a wheelchair and is unable to take trash from her apartment to the dumpster. IDR advocated on Valerie’s behalf, and management agreed to place a trash can outside Valerie’s apartment, and to have maintenance or management remove the trash to the dumpster.
Virgil’s Story
“Virgil” has Schizophrenia and had pending criminal charges which were eventually dropped. He was on the discharge list for ESH for 116 days. IDR talked with Virgil, who said his assigned gatekeeper refused to communicate with him or his care team to move forward with transition planning and discharge to a supported group living arrangement due to his criminal history. With IDR’s advocacy, Virgil was discharged from ESH to a less restrictive supported group living arrangement.
Vanessa’s Story
“Vanessa” contacted IDR when she could not access The Hancock County Arts building; Vanessa uses a walker for mobility, but both entrances required climbing multiple stairs. IDR worked with the facility’s attorney, and a ramp was installed.
Viraj’s Story
“Viraj” asked IDR for advocacy after his employer denied him reasonable accommodations related his type 1 diabetes and terminated his employment. IDR provided Viraj with legal representation and sent a demand letter to the employer. Both parties entered into a confidential agreement in June.