Guest Opinion: Woods Services' plan fails community integration standard
My letter today is in reference to the planned 45-unit apartment building Woods Services in Langhorne is proposing to build at 469 E. Maple Ave. This building will be next to and adjoining the current Beechwood NeuroRehab program.
The brain injury program was established in 1980 at Woods to provide for a more appropriate treatment for individuals living with an acquired brain injury.
I was hired in 1980 to work specifically with that population of individuals. Throughout my 35-year tenure working at Woods Services, we embraced and were guided by the principle that best practice was provided in a true, integrated community setting.
Central to the treatment philosophy at both Woods and within the brain injury community was the idea that community-based living options be central to treatment. This current plan will limit true integration since it sits adjacent to and connected to the Beechwood campus.
The proposed apartment building which Woods alleges will provide for integration is far from it. Current clients who reside and have for decades lived in a Bensalem apartment complex will be moved to this building which Woods will own and will be reimbursed rent out of each client's funding source or from their personal finances.
Furthermore, where the apartment building is located and how it is configured essentially limits true community integration. Community integration means living in a neighborhood environment that any citizen would choose to live in. I was so proud to be a part of the Woods organization during most of my working life. I am truly disheartened by this plan and disappointed in the Woods organization.
Langhorne Council for the Arts is planning on including Mollie Woods Hare, the founder of Woods School, on a wall mural honoring women of Langhorne who have made an extraordinary contribution to the Langhorne community. Mrs. Hare worked tirelessly for the rights of individuals living with disability to be able to be included in the community.
What a shame that the current administration of Woods is not upholding that legacy.
Deborah Cerra-Tyl lives in Langhorne Borough.
This article originally appeared on The Intelligencer: Guest Opinion: Woods Services' plan isn't 'community integration'
