New Book Provides 30-Year Analysis of Financial and Programmatic Trends in Services and Funding for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in the United States

October 31, 2008 (Washington, DC)— From issuing a report card on each state's developmental disability services and analyzing macro trends in community services to recording the annual cost of care per person by residential setting, the State of the States in Developmental Disabilities study by David L. Braddock has kept meticulous track of public financing for developmental disability services in the United States since 1977. Now the seventh edition of the book published by the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) reveals the latest data on disability funding in America through year 2006. The study is poised to serve as a key resource as decision makers tackle cutbacks in spending during this economic crisis in America.

"The current economic slowdown may well lead to significant cutbacks in services and supports for people with developmental disabilities," says lead author, David L. Braddock, Executive Director of the Coleman Institute for Cognitive Disabilities. "The State of the States study is particularly relevant to public policy decisions at the state and federal levels, since the priorities and resources allocated in developmental disability services over the past three decades are clearly presented in the book."

The State of the States in Developmental Disabilities is arguably best known for its 4-page report card on each state's trends in revenues, spending, residential services, and individuals and families supported, highlighting states that are "leaders" and "laggards" in disability services. This data has historically helped professionals and families educate legislators and advocate for funding and public policy reforms.

The 2008 edition of the book contains several interesting findings: (1) The period between 2004-2006 saw the slowest increase in the past 30 years in state spending on community and institutional services per $1000 of statewide personal income; (2) Support for public and private institutions declined 6% nationally; (3) Ten states and the District of Columbia no longer run state-operated institutions; and (4) Twenty nine states and the District of Columbia projected overall budget gaps for the current fiscal year (2009) appropriations.

"Overall, the demand for community services is growing rapidly due to aging family caregivers, litigation promoting access to community services, the increasing longevity of persons with developmental disabilities, and the downsizing of public and private institutions. This growing demand is frequently unanticipated by federal, state, and local agencies, resulting in a crisis for families and state and local service delivery systems," explains Braddock.

To download an excerpt and purchase the State of the States in Developmental Disabilities, visit http://bookstore.aaidd.org or call (301) 604-1340.

Founded in 1876, AAIDD promotes progressive policies, sound research, effective practices,
and universal human rights for people with intellectual disabilities.