Durr Introduces Decision Memorializing Disabled Man Who Died at Group House

Would Designate August 27 of Every Yr as Billy Cray Day

An affable younger man with developmental disabilities died in his group house bed room on August 27, 2017, and Senator Ed Durr is set to make sure his title and his destiny are by no means forgotten.

Sen. Ed Durr launched a decision that might designate Aug. 27 of every yr as Billy Cray Day, honoring an affable younger man with developmental disabilities who died in his group house bed room in 2017. (SenateNJ.com)

The Senator launched a decision that might designate August 27 of every yr as Billy Cray Day.

“We can’t permit the mistreatment and tragic lack of William ‘Billy’ Cray to fade from our conscience,” stated Durr (R-3). “The injustice Billy endured whereas within the care of state-licensed group house, the accidents he suffered and the bruises he carried to his grave demand extra.”

Because the anniversary of the tragedy approaches, Durr is optimistic that his legislative colleagues will endorse the decision, SJR-96, and pledges to work tirelessly to get it authorized in time for Invoice Cray Day 2023.

“This annual remembrance will function a solemn reminder of the abuse, neglect and exploitation which may be occurring within the shadows of congregate settings, and assist defend these vulnerable residents in group houses,” the Senator continued.

Cray, whose mom Martha Cray has been an outspoken advocate on behalf of group house residents with developmental disabilities, spent a lot of his life in residential care the place he was uncovered to a number of occurrences of abuse.

“We could by no means know what actually occurred to Billy Cray, a happy-go-lucky man-child who had been chatting with and singing to his mother on the cellphone the evening earlier than he handed. However with this invoice, we’ll bear in mind his title and we’ll do not forget that he was failed repeatedly by the system designed to guard and look after him and others who want it,” Durr stated.

To safeguard group house residents, Durr additionally sponsors laws (S-1897) that might require sure services “to put in digital monitoring gadgets in widespread areas, upon request and with uniform resident consent, and to allow consensual use of such gadgets in personal rooms.”

The invoice has bipartisan help and has been referenced to the Senate Well being, Human Companies and Senior Residents Committee.

“The accountable use of cameras will enhance the standard of life of people with developmental disabilities,” stated Durr. “We can’t ignore the abuse of our most susceptible New Jerseyans. Video documentation of what occurs inside these houses will assist higher guarantee the protection and well-being of residents we have now an obligation to help.”