Data Bites
Family Support
Family supports for intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) refer to services, resources, and assistance designed to help families care for and support a family member with a disability. These supports can include things like financial assistance, counseling, training, and help navigating healthcare, education, and community services. The goal is to strengthen the family’s ability to provide care, promote independence and well-being for the individual with IDD, and reduce stress on caregivers.
Fiscal Effort
Fiscal effort in the context of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) refers to how much a state contributes from its own funds to support services, relative to federal funding and total spending. It is often expressed as the proportion of state dollars invested compared to combined state and federal expenditures. Higher fiscal effort indicates a greater state-level financial commitment to IDD supports and services.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) are long-term supports that help people with disabilities, including intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), live in their own homes or community settings rather than institutional facilities. Funded largely through Medicaid, HCBS can include services such as personal care, employment supports, case management, and respite, all aimed at promoting independence, inclusion, and quality of life.
Residential Settings
Residential settings for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) include a range of living arrangements designed to provide varying levels of support based on individual needs and preferences. These can include small group homes, supervised or supported apartments, host or foster care models, and, less commonly today, larger institutional settings. The focus in modern service systems is on community-based living that promotes independence, choice, and inclusion, with supports such as daily living assistance, behavioral services, and 24-hour staffing when needed.
State Spending
State spending for supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) primarily funds long-term services such as home and community-based services (HCBS), residential supports, employment programs, and case management. While a significant share of this funding is matched by federal Medicaid dollars, states determine eligibility, service levels, and additional investments beyond federal requirements. As a result, spending levels and priorities vary widely across states, influencing access to services, waiting lists, and the overall quality and availability of supports.
Technology Solutions
Technology solutions for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) include a wide range of tools designed to support independence, communication, safety, and daily living. These can include assistive technologies such as communication devices and apps, remote monitoring systems, smart home features, and telehealth services. Increasingly, technology is used to supplement or enhance traditional supports, helping individuals live more independently in community settings while also providing caregivers and providers with flexible, cost-effective ways to deliver support.
