As the general population becomes more knowledgeable about health risks and the importance of fitness, nutrition and preventive health care, it is apparent that people with disabilities have an even greater investment in maintaining and improving their physical and mental health. Many adults with developmental disabilities are served via a partnership between state government and local community service providers. These community programs were developed under a philosophy emphasizing rehabilitation, normalization and choice.
Health care equals medical care.
Social service providers will recognize health problems promptly and refer individuals to appropriate health care providers. Health care providers, even in rural areas, are knowledgeable about disability issues. We will also develop minimum standards for health management and outcomes. Our GOAL is to develop and test a community systems model that will reduce limitations due to secondary conditions experienced by adults with developmental disabilities and promote their health . Develop, field-test and evaluate a surveillance instrument for assessing prevalence and severity of secondary conditions experienced by adults with developmental disabilities living in group homes and supported living arrangements.