- Subcontract with the Research and Training Center on Community Living at the University of Minnesota - Through the RTC on Community Living, the Center on Human Policy is engaged in several studies, including a national study of individual budgets/consumer controlled services; a qualitative study of agencies' use of the College of Direct Support, which “serv[es] as an online educational resource… in providing direct support to individuals with developmental disabilities”; a qualitative study of inclusion within civic and faith-based organizations; and a qualitative study of self-determination and its impact on the lives of individuals.
- Assuring Family Life for Children with Complex Health Care Needs - This project, coordinated with Every Child Deserves a Home Coalition in Pennsylvania examines strategies and challenges related to supporting families with children who have complex health care needs. This research project has involved qualitative interviews with families, a policy analysis focusing on permanency policy in Pennsylvania and nationally, as well as the editing of a comprehensive report addressing issues related to assuring family life for all children.
- Self-Advocacy Needs Assessment and Grassroots Campaign with the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) - This project included a comprehensive assessment of the status of self-advocacy in Florida; a national review of self-advocacy and self-determination practices and resources; and in-depth technical assistance to three pilot grassroots self-advocacy groups in at least three geographical areas of Florida. This project has now been extended to provide technical assistance to three additional groups and the development of a website.
- Inclusion Summit Conference with the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) - The aim of this project is to gain an understanding of existing systemic barriers, identify options for overcoming the identified barriers, and to develop a strategic plan for supporting and expanding inclusion practices which foster the development of inclusive communities. The project will include a comprehensive review of literature, national practices, and laws and the convening of a summit for key stakeholders from throughout the State of Florida, including persons with developmental disabilities, family members, public officials, and advocates. The summit will engage participants in a strategic planning exercise that will align the education, employment, health, housing, transportation, and related community living systems in a manner that promotes the full inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in Florida’s communities.
- Analysis of the Current Florida System of Services for the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council - This project reported on trends and strengths in the Florida service system, as well as the challenges that prevent individuals with developmental disabilities from achieving a quality of life comparable to other nondisabled citizens in Florida. Liberty Resources, Inc., in partnership with the Center on Human Policy at Syracuse University, conducted this project. The components included: six forums in Florida to obtain input from individuals with disabilities, families, providers, direct support staff, administrators, and others; interviews with Florida stakeholders; review of state and national reports and materials; and consultation with national experts. The resulting document “Challenges and Opportunities – An Analysis of the Current Florida System of Services for Persons with Disabilities and Future Direction for System Change” provided the initial basis for the development of Florida’s Draft State Plan for October 1, 2006 – September 30, 2011. For more information, visit the website of the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council: http://www.fddc.org/ACTIVITIES/State%20Plan.asp.
- Implementation of Rider 37 in Texas - The Community Living Exchange Collaborative at ILRU, the Center on Human Policy, and the Center for Housing and New Community Economics, conducted a small pilot qualitative study of the implementation of Rider 37 in Texas from June 1, 2003 through September 30, 2003. The objective of the pilot study was to investigate the implementation of Rider 37, with a focus on the transition process as well as quality of life outcomes in the community. Six people who moved out of nursing facilities under the Texas initiative participated in interviews. Individuals who assisted each of the six people in the transition, as well as other key stakeholders, also participated in interviews. For a full copy of this report, go to:
http://www.ilru.org/html/training/webcasts/handouts/2004/03-31-KleinKafka/TexasStudypdf.pdf