Abstract:
This investigation examined the effects of de institutionalization on the adaptive
behaviour and adjustment of adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). In study 1, a meta-analysis
was conducted with 23 studies on deinstitutionalization adaptive behaviour outcomes.
Deinstitutionalization was associated with modest improvements in adaptive behaviour however
outcomes varied across adaptive behaviour domains and other substantive variables. Clinical and
service implications of these results were explicated. Noting the trends from the meta-analysis,
study 2 used this information in refining and piloting an Agency Transition Survey used to
evaluate community transitions for persons with ID. Information derived from the survey was
found to be valuable and adequate for the effective evaluation of transitional success. Potential
applications of the survey and meta-analysis results were illustrated.
