The Hissom closure outcomes study: a report on six years of movement to supported living.

Changes in quality of life observed in 254 people with developmental disabilities who moved from a large state institution to supported living settings as a result of a court ordered closure of Hissom Memorial Center in Oklahoma were reported. Using pre-post measures on a multitude of qualities of life, we measured significant improvements between 1990 and 1995 in class members' adaptive and challenging behaviors, participation in employment, number of hours of developmentally oriented services, opportunities for integration, frequency of contact with relatives, and use of antipsychotic medications. We noted concern regarding health care, where there was a need for easier access to health professionals in community settings.