To meet current federal regulations and provide the opportunity for individuals to receive services in the least restrictive environments, states are focusing on providing day habilitation services in inclusive community environments, rather than traditional congregate facility-based programs. The two main services of day habilitation focus on…

This paper discusses a model crisis intervention program for community-based individuals with developmental disabilities and mental illness, featuring cross-system access between existing services and emphasis on staff training. Outcomes of the Rochester, New York, program reveal that 69% of 267 individuals referred to the program required only 1…

The amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) in 2004 reiterate the significance of producing real postsecondary education, employment, and independent living outcomes. However, current employment data continue to show widespread unemployment and very limited access to inclusive community environments and…

The article describes the implementation and components of a program to train direct care staff working on community adjustment of developmentally disabled persons. Developed in response to local needs and respresenting an ongoing collaborative effort, the program also illustrates the role of the University Affiliated Facility in promoting…

This publication describes Utah's Handicapped Child Data Project, an interagency effort to share information among agencies dealing with developmentally disabled persons and establish a central registry. Five action steps in such a venture are noted, including identifying potential sources of information on state and individual levels, decreasing…

This serial issue summarizes findings from a survey of 20 state mental retardation and developmental disabilities agencies and 93 community based providers on developing and financing community services. The survey queried respondents concerning: (1) which models or strategies for financing community services have been most effective; (2) what…

This study identified the nature and frequency of contacts that case managers had with families and adult service providers for 90 young adults with developmental disabilities during school-to-community transition. Frequency of contacts was examined by participants' gender, type of disability, and placement outcomes. (JDD)

Michigan was the first state to apply the permanency planning philosophy to children in the mental health system who have developmental disabilities or severe emotional disorders. Permanency planning involves identifying strategies for supporting children within permanent family relationships. This report outlines how the permanency planning…

The monograph examines the status and needs of state family support efforts over the last decade, based on interviews with 83 people in state Developmental Disabilities Councils and various state agencies. An introductory section provides an historical context for family support, presents a synthesis of state family support efforts, and delineates…

This conference presentation describes New York State programs serving elderly mentally retarded (MR) and developmentally disabled (DD) persons. These service providers offer programming that is sensitive to the impact of the aging process, or provide the opportunity to access community aging programs, or a combination. Linkages are being…

This report examines organizational aspects of agencies working to support people with developmental disabilities in supported living arrangements that provide individualized help to enable individuals to live in homes of their choice. The report is based on meetings and interviews with agency directors and staff throughout the country. Part I…

The document reports on the Communitization Integration Team, a joint interagency planning project whose major goal was to develop, within a two county area, models for the cooperative delivery of community based services to school age developmentally disabled children, particularly the severely-profoundly retarded. Initial sections cover project…

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires the implementation of a comprehensive child find system. This system includes public awareness activities to inform parents, professionals, and the community at large of the availability of early intervention and preschool services, of the importance of identifying children with or at…

A national survey gathered information from 47 states concerning small-scale community living options of 15 or fewer placements for older individuals with mental retardation or developmental disabilities. The survey collected data on long-term funding, support services, mandates and regulations, efforts of interagency task force planning, and…

This information rich "How To" guide presents ways to help elderly persons with developmental disabilities find and use generic community programs for senior citizens. It discusses successful methodologies, addresses programmatic features, and offers ideas to improve accessibility and resources at the community level. The information is…