Implementation of Consumer-Directed Services for Persons With Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities: A National Study

A summary of research on policy issues affecting persons with developmental disabilities. Published by the Research and Training Center on Community Living, Institute on Community Integration (UCEDD), University of Minnesota. This Policy Research Brief summarizes the results of a national study on the status of consumer-directed services for persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The study was conducted at the University of Minnesota’s Research and Training Center on Community Living and Syracuse University’s Center on Human Policy, and its purpose was to investigate how consumer control is being implemented across states. Additional themes included the exploration of strategies, challenges, and best practices of consumer-directed services and supports. Information was gathered through interviews with administrators of developmental disabilities services in 42 states. This brief was authored by Pam Walker, Center on Human Policy; and Amy Hewitt, Matthew Bogenschutz, and Jennifer HallLande, Research and Training Center on Community Living. The content is based on the comprehensive study entitled: Implementation of Consumer-Directed Services: A National Study. The study was supported through Cooperative Agreement No. H133B080005 from the U. S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR). The authors wish to acknowledge Bonnie Shoultz, Perri Harris, Steve Taylor, Chas Moseley, Sheryl A. Larson, and Charlie Lakin for their contributions in the preparation of this brief. For further information, please contact Pam Walker, PhD, Research Associate at [email protected] or (315) 443-4290.