ABSTRACTTHE COMMUNITY SERVICE NEEDS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND MENTAL ILLNESS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL.ByTrisha M. ThrushThe purpose of this research was to examine the community service needs of individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) and severe mental illness (SMI). The level of success among individuals with DD/SMI within community settings largely depends on their level of functioning, adaptive behaviors, and needs being met. The DD/SMI population is in jeopardy of having decreased opportunities for community integration and an increased likelihood for psychiatric hospitalization due to unmet needs. Within the community service system, individuals with DD/SMI are challenging to serve as most systems relegate services to either developmental disabilities or mental illness programs. However, individuals with DD/SMI require a combination of services from both units for individuals with developmental disabilities and mental illness to support them successfully in the community. A review of the literature shows a very limited knowledge base for the DD/SMI population. The literature was reviewed for information on the community service needs, systems of care, and practice interventions for the DD/SMI population. Some emerging trends in practice were identified as well with family and care giver supports, peer to peer supports, self-directed supports, and gentle teaching. Systems theory was also utilized to provide a theoretical framework for the community service needs of individuals with DD/SMI. The present research utilized qualitative research methods of grounded theory approach, interviews, and focus groups to gather exploratory data from mental health professionals about the community services needs of individuals with DD/SMI. Findings indicated the need for 1) staffing supports and other supportive services, 2) having access to services or service provision, 3) suggestions for a new service structure, 4) having a support person who the DD/SMI person knows well, 5) identifying barriers to accessing services, and 6) a lack of understanding about people with DD/SMI. The discussion includes a more detailed and exploratory review of the study findings and what can be learned from the observations and knowledge of the participants. A blended systems-grounded theory is presented to illustrate the study’s findings and provide connections to the community service needs of individuals with DD/SMI. Finally, the conclusion of the study includes the implications of the study findings in regards to practice, policy, and research. A discussion about the limitations and strengths of the present research, as well as recommendations for future research is also presented.
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