It is predicted that institutions for the retarded will be phased out and that the need for most types of group residences will decline due to the development of residential alternatives to institutions and nonresidential community services. (KW)

The development of Systems Unlimited is summarized; a normalization program that provides community residential living for moderately to severely handicapped individuals, who usually were institutionalized. (Author/BD)

Presented is research evidence in support of the use of behavior extinction procedures for mentally handicapped persons in residential treatment situations. (IM)

The article relates the nursing home component of a nationwide study of public mental retardation/developmental disabilities spending to requirements of Public Law 100-203. Approximately 51,000 individuals with developmental disabilities resided in nursing homes in 1989 of which 40 percent may need to be relocated under P.L. 100-203. (Author/DB)

Based on a paper presented at a convention of the National Association for Retarded Children (Detroit, 1968). (RJ)

Discusses the growing waiting lists for residential services for persons with developmental disabilities due to the increase of individuals needing services, increased longevity, low service creation in the past, and because services have become more compatible with what people want. Recommendations for reducing waiting lists are provided. (CR)

Summarizes changes in out-of-home placements of children and youth with mental retardation since the implementation of the Supplemental Security Income program and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act entitlements. The statistics show a decrease from 90,942 children in residential settings in 1977 to 25,842 children in 1997. (CR)

Adapted from a paper presented at the Fourth Congress of the International League of Societies for the Mentally Handicapped (Hebrew University, Jerusalem, October 21, 1968). (RJ)

The study compared the characteristics of individuals residing in either institutional or community settings in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and one regional center in California. The results show that the more severely mentally retarded persons, with their attendant handicaps and maladaptive behavior, are still likely to be found in an…

Two case reports are presented of institutionalized women who were diagnosed as having Prader-Willi syndrome at the ages of 54 and 69. Implications are discussed for management of such persons and for program planning/funding for a much longer life expectancy than earlier realized. (Author/JDD)

Ninety-two primary caregivers in residences for the developmentally disabled were surveyed on residential staff roles, training responsibilities, and perception of resident needs. Among results are that residential staff viewed basic facility maintenance as a primary responsibility; and that less than 50 percent of the staff could define basic…

A review of eight research studies on the question of size in relation to quality of resident life in state institutions is presented. Findings of seven of the studies reviewed showed that there is some advantage to the smaller setting. None showed any advantage to larger institutions. (PHR)