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                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, January 7, 1992                   TAG: 9201080009
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

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THE FORGOTTEN MENTALLY RETARDED

I AM CONCERNED about the mentally retarded men and women in our Roanoke Valley. When the parent dies, or becomes unable to care for them, they end up in adult homes or nursing homes.

They have no program for social events, or training to help them live in society with supervision and on their own. If they live in an adult home or nursing home, it takes their Supplementary Security Income check plus a check from the state of Virginia, just to pay for their living expenses. They have very little money to buy clothes, shoes and personal items, or to attend movies and outside activities.

We know our homelessness problem and poverty problem, but do we know what will happen to the men and women who are mentally retarded? I understand the term covers a wide range of disabilities. The mental-health department offers group homes but only helps 36 folks, and has a long waiting list. We have drug and alcohol centers, but very few programs for our retarded citizens. Isn't it time Roanoke Valley residents take notice of this problem? MARVIN COON ROANOKE

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