Characteristics of New York's community residences for developmentally disabled persons

A statewide survey of New York's community residences for developmentally disabled persons was conducted in which program auspice, history and affiliation, physical structure, community relations, residence staff, and occupant characteristics were examined. The results revealed a diverse system, with certain characteristics similar to those reported in previous national community residence surveys. Principal differences between the statewide data and the national surveys related to residence auspice, size, and staff demographics. These differences are explained as a function of both survey sampling strategies and program differences. Implications of the data are discussed.