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The Denver Post Tues. March 4, 1975

[Big Masthead: The Denver Post
Founded on October 28, 1895 by F.G. Bonfils and H.H. Tammen

Helen G. Bonfils, Officer and Director, 1933-72

"Dedicated in perpetuity to the service of the people, that no good cause shall lack a champion and that evil shall not thrive unopposed"

Donald R Seawell, President, Chairman of the Board
Charles R Buxton, Executive Vice President, Editor and Publisher

Earl R Moore, Secretary-Treasurer
William Hornby, Vice President, Executive Editor
Robert H Shanahan, Vice President, General Manager]


[Headline] The Post's Opinion
[Subheading] A New Atlantis Is Born

It didn't attract much attention. but the birth of the first phase of the Atlantis project is an event for rejoicing—as well as a warning for caution.

A group of disabled persons in Denver, spurred to expectations of a better life by a new-found militancy, for some months now have been working to bring to to life a planned community in which handicapped persons could live a more normal life. This type of community, they hoped, would be free of confining nursing home atmospheres which so easily could make "vegetables" out of young patients without hope for anything more.

Now, it has been announced, the first step toward that new independence has been successful. Within three months 14 disabled young persons will move from nursing homes into a cooperative apartment living situation in which they can receive the medical and supportive services they need in addition to the freedom they so desperately seek.

The group will move into a renovated apartment complex called Las Casitas Homes at W. 11th Ave. and Federal Blvd. They will receive services and funding from a variety of sources.

It is with a project such as this — perhaps unique in the nation — that disabled persons can find their level of dignity and productivity. For too long they have suffered through stereotyping which never realized
their potential.

However, the note of caution comes here: The participants in the program must be carefully screened so that those who take part can experience success in their new life styles; and those who are chosen must not reject the level of assistance that they still require in the headiness of their new freedom. If the commitment of all concerned is well established, the program should work and become a guiding light for other communities across the country.

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