Community Placement for Persons with Significant Cognitive Challenges: An Outcome Analysis

Abstract

Outcome indices were compared across groups of individuals who either remained in institutional settings or transferred from an institutional setting to various community living arrangements. All individuals included in the analysis had been labeled as having profound mental retardation. The community group exceeded or matched institution groups with respect to service hours, community integration, and adaptive behavior. Greater productivity, in terms of vocational activity, was noted in the two institution settings. Persons in the community had slightly greater difficulty in obtaining medical services. Nonmedical unmet needs were greater in the community programs.