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One of the major challenges facing the field of mental retardation
and developmental disabilities is to live with the consequences of
the past, manage the existing service system, and plan for the
future. Unlike many other areas of human services policy, past
decisions regarding service modalities and program placements cannot
be altered easily. The customers of the developmental disabilities
service system typically require assistance that spans decades,
rather than a few months or years.
For example, the prevalence of large, multi-purpose residential
facilities continues long after most consumers, parents and
professionals have embraced the concept of community and
family-centered services.
There is an enormous gap between what we know about providing
long-term supports to people with developmental disabilities and
current day-to-day practices in the field. "Best Practices" focusing
upon individualized supports and services are happening everywhere, yet the continuation
of new, outmoded ICF/MR services is taking place at the same time. As
a community, we are falling into a deeper and deeper hole, from which
it could take a century to "dig out."
Our major goal should be to help get people with disabilities
connected socially, spiritually and physically within their home
communities.
The most important issue the field faces, therefore, is to find ways
of moving quickly to a system that helps people to make meaningful
choices about how they live their lives as participating, valued
members of the community, yet does not abandon society's obligation to
people who still are being served in outmoded facilities and programs.
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