Willis, TX — Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services Commissioner Jon Weizenbaum and State Senator Robert Nichols toured New Danville today to meet with residents and administrators and to discuss services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Kathy Sanders, founder of New Danville, helped organize the tour.

"New Danville is a special place," said Senator Nichols. "The commitment and dedication to serve Texans with unique needs is clearly evident, and I appreciate Commissioner Jon Weizenbaum taking the time to come see it for himself. When I first heard of New Danville, it was merely dreams on a chalkboard, but Kathy Sanders and many others believed in those dreams and have executed their vision to make this facility a great success story."

New Danville is a self-sustaining, master-planned, integrated community where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can live, learn, work and grow emotionally, socially and spiritually with their non-disabled peers. Residents who qualify for Medicaid can receive support services, and New Danville provides a range of other programs including miniature horse therapy, beekeeping and community-based instruction.

Long term plans for New Danville include additional housing, a movie theater, a bowling alley and a tea room with commercial kitchen that will operate a bakery, cheese production and lunch service to the public. New Danville receives no state dollars, but operates through a collaboration of several community non-profits and companies.

"New Danville presents us with a unique opportunity to consider how Texas makes services available to individuals with intellectual disabilities," said Nichols. "I look forward to continuing to work with Commissioner Weizenbaum and Kathy Sanders to improve options for Texans with special needs."

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