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AIDS and state developmental disability agencies: a national survey
A G Marchetti1, R S Nathanson, T A Kastner
1Developmental Disability Center, Morristown Memorial Hospital, NJ 07960.
American Journal of Public Health
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Few states had formal policies for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) among developmental disability agencies in 1987. Training and services for staff and clients were limited, with a call for improved support for individuals with developmental disabilities and HIV.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Disability Services
- Infectious Disease Policy
Background:
- In 1987, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) presented a growing public health challenge.
- Developmental disability agencies were surveyed to assess their preparedness and response to AIDS.
- Understanding the landscape of policy, education, and service provision was crucial for vulnerable populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey state developmental disability agencies regarding their policies, education, and training related to AIDS.
- To identify the extent of formal AIDS policies and their variability across states.
- To assess the availability and nature of AIDS education and training for both staff and clients.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based survey was distributed to state developmental disability agencies in October 1987.
- Data were collected from 44 responding states concerning AIDS policy development, education, training, and service provision.
- The survey included 27 items to gather specific information on agency practices.
Main Results:
- Only 21 out of 44 surveyed states had formal AIDS policies, with significant variation among them.
- Twenty-five states incorporated AIDS information into staff training, primarily for institutional staff.
- Only 10 states offered AIDS prevention training for clients, more common in institutional settings than community settings.
- Eleven states reported Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive cases, often in institutions, with some instances of segregation.
Conclusions:
- Formal AIDS policies, comprehensive educational programming, and tailored services were lacking for individuals with developmental disabilities in 1987.
- There was a clear need for enhanced policy development and service provision to address the specific needs of this population.
- The findings highlighted disparities in training and service delivery between institutional and community-based settings.