Genesis

The problem with sheltered work activity centers designed to employ Iowa mentally handicapped adults are as complicated as they can be. So it is no easy task to help them in their hour of need, as new rules governing mental health care and costs find their way to application. In the case of Genesis Development of Storm Lake, it appears that the days of sheltered workshop may end come July. That’s when the work activity center plans to quit redeeming cans and bottles.

The most vulnerable among us are again on the bottom of the heap. Genesis Development of Storm Lake plans to discontinue redeeming bottles and cans for their nickel deposit because of changes in mental health rules. Now, handicapped people cannot work exclusively in a sheltered work activity center sorting cans. They are required to get jobs in the community so they are “integrated” better. Hence, those who are not found job placement outside the work activity center will have little productive to do.

New mental health rules doom sheltered workshops

State deposit too low to make program work, official says

By DOLORES CULLEN