Where Have all the Developmental Centers Gone? The Federal Push for Community-Based Services for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Abstract

Across the country, the trend in treating individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities has been deinstitutionalization. In recent years, several states have been working to transition the treatment of their intellectually and developmentally disabled citizens from state-operated developmental centers to community-based services.1 In the process, numerous developmental centers have been closed. While some residents, parents, advocates and professionals are pleased with this direction, others are fighting the process.