MetroWest News
By William J. Taylor / Guest Columnist
Saturday, October 8, 2005

The Metrowest Daily News reported with some surprise that Framingham ranks 10 among the 351 Massachusetts communities in hosting licensed residential facilities according the Worcester Regional Research Bureau (WRRB). The News did not report that the WRRB also stated that Framingham ranks 14 of the 351 Massachusetts communities in terms of population.

There is some question about what can be truly learned from this report, given that it tracks licenses and facilities and not numbers of people. There is a huge question regarding the report's basic assumption that all these programs are bad economically and bad for the quality of life of a community. The jobs created, the money expended, the lives transformed all strongly argue against that assumption.

However, assuming that the report is at least accurate in pointing out that licensed residential facilities tend to be located in areas of denser population; is that surprising?

Most residential programs are for people with significant disabilities, and their goal is community integration, as championed by the Americans with Disabilities Act. People with disabilities, and the non-profit agencies that often support them, seek affordable homes in safe neighborhoods where work is plentiful, where stores, libraries and medical offices are nearby, and where all they need can be reached by walking, or easily accessible transportation. It is also important to settle in communities where diversity exists; because it is there that difference is often valued, rather than feared.

These requirements tend to define cities, as well as more densely populated towns with significant downtown areas. Remote homes in suburban neighborhoods tend to miss many of these requirements, though some people with disabilities do prefer and do benefit from the quieter suburban lifestyle.
Framingham meets every requirement. As every Framingham citizen knows, they do not have to go far for services, shopping, work or entertainment. If perchance, they, or someone they love needs human services, those too, are not far away.

Bill Taylor is president and CEO of Advocates, Inc., a Framingham-based social services agency.