Linda Kincaid Reports: Ohio public guardian isolated disabled woman from loving family

Little Cindy was a special child in so many ways. Born with Down Syndrome and profoundly disabled from birth, Cindy’s family devoted themselves to her care. Cindy was included in family activities, and outings were planned just for her. Big sister Nora adored her “special” sibling, taking time from childhood and adolescent activities to cosset her little sister and protect her from neighborhood bullies.

Cindy lived with her parents until age 38. Nora, now an LVN, was always nearby to lend a hand. Nora trained in caring for the disabled, and her professional career was devoted to patients with disabilities. Much of her free time was spent with Cindy.

As Cindy’s parents entered their seventies, they could no longer provide the care and supervision needed by a profoundly disabled and very strong adult woman. They made the difficult decision to place Cindy in a group home.

Nora soon had concerns about the care Cindy received at the group home. Bruises indicated that Cindy was physically abused. Cindy developed a subdural hematoma, a brain injury that is often related to head trauma.

Cindy became withdrawn and no longer spoke to her family. Nora was concerned about the possibility of sexual abuse by another resident.

After a lifetime of protecting her special little sister, Nora took the phone number from a poster at the home and called the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities to report suspected abuse. The number from the poster was no longer in service.


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Ohio public guardian isolated disabled woman from loving family