DC Blamed for Disabled Man's Death

The District of Columbia failed to provide services for a mentally retarded man who repeatedly sought the city's help before his death earlier this year, an advocacy group said.

The man suffered from mental retardation and several medical conditions, says a report from University Legal Services, a D.C.-based advocacy group for those with developmental disabilities. He died in February at age 65.

The report claims the D.C. Department on Disability Services knew as early as 2001 that he urgently needed help, but did not approve housing and other services until June 2007. Even after the approval, officials never got around to providing any help before he died.

D.C. officials are launching their own investigation, they said.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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