Public Systems Supports for People With Intellectual
Disability and Mental Health Needs in the United States
Joan B. Beasley, Ph.D., L.C.S.W., L.M.H.C. & Anne DesNoyers Hurley, Ph.D.

Since the mid-1980s there have been a number of publications and policy papers with regard to the need for a comprehensive service system to support individuals with intellectual disabilities and behavioral health needs. In spite of the expanded knowledge of this population and its service needs, the results have been mixed in the United States. In some states there is a lack of a service infrastructure equipped to provide effective services over time. It is time to take a closer look at the Home and Community-Based Waiver under the national Medicaid program to assist in the development of a more effective community-based support system throughout the United States.