Families upset over closure of facility

NEVADA, Mo. -- Family members are plotting what to do after learning last month about the planned closure of a southwest Missouri facility that serves people with developmental disabilities. The Joplin Globe reported that the Nevada Habilitation Center is scheduled to close in 2012 to help the state balance its budget. The residents would be moved. The center houses 95 people with developmental disabilities, including autism, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy. Its closure is expected to save the state about $7.6 million annually.

State officials and lawmakers met Friday with family members.

Family members are seeking a meeting with Gov. Jay Nixon and consulting with an attorney. There also is discussion of staging a protest at the state Capitol.

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Information from: The Joplin Globe, http://www.joplinglobe.com