Social interactions of persons with developmental disabilities living independently in the community

Fifty-four adults with developmental disabilities living independently in three different communities were interviewed about their social interactions during seven consecutive days. Results indicated that most interactions were with other persons with disabilities, and almost half of those interviewed reported no interactions with persons without disabilities. Those living in an outer suburban setting had fewer interactions with persons without disabilities. Those who had lived previously in supervised group residences had more interactions than those lacking this experience, but these were mostly accounted for by interactions with other persons with disabilities. The main conclusion of the study was that integration of persons with developmental disabilities was not occurring at a satisfactory level, when judged by their interactions with persons without disabilities.