WSIPP: Publication

Report Detail
Full Report	October 2009
Children and Adults With Developmental Disabilities: Services in Washington, Research Evidence Stephanie Lee, Marna Miller
The Washington State Institute for Public Policy was directed by the 2008 Washington Legislature to estimate the effectiveness, costs, and benefits of programs for individuals with developmental disabilities (excluding special education). We reviewed the research literature to find the best available evidence on the economic impacts of services for individuals with developmental disabilities and found that residential services in the community for similar groups of adults with developmental disabilities cost less on average than institutional care. In some research, supported employment increases clients’ wage earnings and taxes paid, with a reduction in public costs. Several programs have demonstrated positive impacts on various life outcomes. Document ID: (09-10-3901)