This study used qualitative multiple case study analysis to explore community inclusion implementation among developmental disability service providers in Massachusetts. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (and its affirmation of community inclusion in Olmstead vs. L.C., 1999) set the stage for rights-based understanding of community…

This paper documents the experiences of a group of parents who came together to form a human service cooperative in their local community to address the needs of their adult children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Each parent felt that their child's needs were not (or could not be) met by existing providers. Parent leaders who…

This article discusses the ideas of Michel Foucault, a French postmodernist, as they pertain to issues related to the provision of services to people with developmental disabilities. It focuses on four specific theoretical concepts: (1) the power/knowledge nexus, (2) the political construction of the "other," (3) the disciplinary…

P.L. 95-602, the Rehabilitation, Comprehensive Services, and Developmental Disabilities Amendments of 1978, reflects an attempt to coordinate, integrate, and consolidate certain programs across all disability lines while recognizing the uniqueness of certain groups, such as the developmentally disabled. (Author)

This paper, developed by a group of parents, advocates, and service providers, addresses the limitations of human services for people with developmental disabilities, including: (1) services cannot "fix" people or problems; (2) consistency and uniformity are not necessarily good qualities of human services; (3) more human services are not…

We evaluated an outcome management program for working with staff to improve the performance of adults with severe disabilities in a congregate day-treatment setting. Initially, observations were conducted of student task involvement and staff distribution of teaching interactions across students in four program sites. Using recent normative data…

This paper presents a framework for early intervention for children having (or at risk of developing) disabilities, produced by Eurlyaid, a working party of the European Community. The framework addresses definitions of key concepts, the target group, rationale behind early intervention, content of early intervention, conditions necessary for…

Difficulties in finding, keeping, and ensuring the competence of the direct support workforce in community developmental disability services has long been a challenge for individuals, families, providers, and policy makers. Direct support staff recruitment, retention, and competence are widely reported as one of the most significant barriers to…

The study reports on the incidence and prevalence of developmental disabilities in Iowa, in conjunction with estimates of the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their demand for services. An introductory section outlines the organization of the report and distinguishes among three types of demand for services: potential…

The report analyzes the impact of the change from a categorical definition of developmental disabilities to one which emphasizes functional limitations and the accompanying need for services as mandated by the 1978 Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (P.L. 95-602, Section 502). Part I is an introduction with sections on…

Describes federally funded personnel preparation project supporting implementation of educational and clinical sequence in handicapped, medically complex, and at-risk infant and toddler specialization. Addresses vehicles of professional development, including courses and seminars, clinical rotations, and research activities. Discusses implications…

This guide explains, in simple language, the procedures for utilization of Colorado's developmental disabilities system. It begins with a definition of developmental disability and then explains how to contact a Community Centered Board to determine eligibility for services. The guide outlines the processes of applying for services, receiving…

This paper addresses the processes by which state agencies regulate services for individuals with developmental disabilities and explores whether the regulatory process can be directed to issues affecting the quality of life of people receiving developmental services. Limitations of regulations include the unpredictability of long-term effects,…

The report examines implications of applying a functional rather than categorical definition of disabilities to Connecticut's services for the developmentally disabled. Specific objectives included preparation of an overview of services available, an analysis of policy options and system constraints, an analysis of the implications of reorganizing…

The document describes a project to initiate effective services for hearing impaired developmentally disabled (HIDD) individuals, thereby contributing to their deinstitutionalization. An introductory chapter presents the background for establishment of the regional demonstration center at the University of Arizona. Chapter 2 addresses general and…