The impact of deinstitutionalization on activities and skills of severely/profoundly mentally retarded multiply-handicapped adults

This study evaluated the change in activity patterns and skills of severely/profoundly mentally retarded, multiply-handicapped residents as they moved from large total care institutions to community living. Twenty-seven individuals were evaluated just before leaving the institution, 3 months post-exit, and 9 months post-exit. In comparison to a nondisabled reference group, residents were less active, mobile, social, and independent both in the institution and community. Residents did show, however, significant changes toward the nondisabled pattern of daily living after moving to the community. Clients improved in 4 of 16 skill areas within 3 months after entering the community: expressive communication, eating, serving meals and washing dishes, and meal preparation.