This is the latest edition of the popular State of the States in Developmental Disabilities study—a thorough and the only one of its kind investigation on public spending, revenues, and programmatic trends of intellectual and developmental programs and services within the United States since 1977. Directed by leading researcher, Dr. David Braddock, the study serves as a goldmine of information on trends and analyses of developmental disability services—from comparative spending on the HCBS Waiver, ICF/MR and related Medicaid programs, to the number of participants in the supported living and personal assistance programs in each state.  Rich in detail, this is a must-have reference for anyone working in the field of developmental disabilities!

“The State of the States is still the most important and often-used reference at the Council.  It is an indispensable tool for anyone involved in shaping public policy in our field and disappears from my desk regularly.” Ethan B. Ellis, Former Executive Director, New Jersey Developmental Disabilities Council

It is exceptionally well-researched, well-written, and represents the best of knowledge in the disability field today.” Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

“This resource is well organized, easy to read, has useful references at the end of each chapter; and is pitched for audiences from general readers to professionals.” Choice, Current Reviews for Academic Libraries

“In recent years, we have used…the data to: (1) support development of a settlement agreement for the Lelaz federal class-action lawsuit against the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation; (2) educate policy makers regarding our state’s dismal ranking among states in funding for key services; and (3) educate members of the Texas Congressional delegation regarding the need for expansion of federally funded supports and services.  Your reports provide credibility for our public policy advocacy efforts in behalf of Texans with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities.”
G. Michael Bright, Executive Director, Arc of Texas

“These works have been used in our needs assessment activities and the development of our last three State Plans and we fully expect to use selected information from the next edition to provide benchmark data for our efforts here in the New York State.”  Sheila M. Carey, Executive Director, New York Development Disabilities Planning Council

“Our department is constantly being asked by legislators, families and various advocacy groups how we in Connecticut compare to other states.  We invariably find the information we need in your published data.” Peter O’Meara, Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Mental Retardation

The latest edition contains:
-Data on public spending and services for intellectual and developmental disabilities from 2004-2006, with cumulative data spanning a 30-year period from 1997-2006
-A 100-page detailed narrative analysis on (1) Trends in spending; (2) Community services and supports; (3) Public and private institutions; (4) Fiscal efforts in the states; and (5) Demand for services and supports.
-Four-page graphic profiles on each U.S. state and the District of Columbia on trends in spending; trends in revenue; trends in residential services; and individual and family support
-Summary reflections of authors on slowing spending due to inflation; contraction of public and private institutions; expansion of community services; Medicaid and HCSB Waiver; fiscal efforts of states; and challenges ahead
-Update on the United Nations Disability Rights Convention
 
Here's how readers can benefit:
-Cite current data when discussing budgetary and program decisions with state legislatures and agencies. For example, the different ways states use the federal Intermediate ICF/MR and Medicaid HCBS Waiver in developmental disabilities show the great latitude state governments have in using financial resources for institutional versus home and community services.
-Is your state a “leader” or a “laggard”? Study provides a unique report card and reference point on your state’s performance in DD spending, revenues, residential services, and family support.
-Gain an in-depth understanding of the federal and state fiscal policy, and important service delivery trends in each state for community living, public and private residential institutions, family support, supported employment, supported living, Medicaid Waivers, and related areas.
-States and advocac