SYSTEMS 

POLICY STATEMENTS

   Systems are necessary to support people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities and their families to enable them to live their lives like other people.  These support systems must be of high quality and focused on the people and their families, not the staff.

 Direct Support Professionals.  

Policy makers and provider organizations must establish and support a stable, competent, adequately compensated workforce of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). Doing so ensures the quality and continuity of the community services that support people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities. 

 Prevention.   

The nation must continue to investigate the causes, reduce the incidence, and limit the consequences of mental retardation and related developmental disabilities through education, research, advocacy, technical assistance, and support.

 Research.  

Basic and applied research on the causes, consequences, and treatment of mental retardation and related developmental disabilities must be adequately financed, well designed, focused on important topics, conducted with the highest ethical standards, and presented in formats accessible to multiple audiences.

 Service Coordination.  

Children and adults with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities and their families must have readily available assistance that is affordable and appropriate to find use, evaluate, and coordinate services, supports, and resources in their communities.

 Waiting Lists. 

State agencies and service providers must deliver appropriate services and supports when requested and when needed by people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities and their families.