Book excerpt: Explore case studies from the 1980s and 1990s that highlight the progress of community programs for people with disabilities! Policy, Program Evaluation, and Research in Disability: Community Support for All is an essential research reference on how community support systems can greatly assist people with diverse disabilities to live fuller lives outside of institutions. Based on qualitative research methods, Policy, Program Evaluation, and Research in Disability reflects over a decade of technical assistance and research in state, regional, and local communities throughout the United States. Community service managers, policy makers, researchers, activists, individuals with disabilities, and their families will benefit from the numerous studies that promote a better quality of life for those living with disabilities. Structured around the support and empowerment paradigm, which strives to enhance the independence of people with disabilities, Policy, Program Evaluation, and Research in Disability offers studies that combine in-depth, qualitative research approaches for use with field practicums, research internships, and professional development. You will examine studies that cover several different types of community support systems, in the fields of mental health, mental retardation, brain injury, physical and multiple disabilities.In Policy, Program Evaluation, and Research in Disability, some of the topics you will read about include: public policies to support changes in communities and governmental programs advocating for statewide changes in housing andcommunity support programs national, regional, and local studies of organizations and innovations supporting people with disabilities working for the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in public schools and communities agencies as supporters and funders of personal choice, self-advocacy, and services to families case studies on community integration that show people with disabilities living successful lives personal assistance services as described by leading consumer experts and advocates maximizing the personal futures of people with disabilities through supported employment, housing and community living With Policy, Program Evaluation, and Research in Disability, you will gain an in-depth look at the programs and policies available to people with disabilities and the emerging trends, directions, and recommendations for these programs. An excellent guide and research tool, this book challenges you to reach to another level of advocacy and not to settle for the status quo when it comes to bringing interdependence to everyone.