HITTING THE MOVING TARGET OF PROGRAM CHOICE

The changes in what 2,927 people wanted and got for programs in 1988 w ere compared with what 3,934 people wanted and received in 1996 in Wyo ming and South Dakota. As recommendations change, they present a ''mov ing target'' for these service-delivery systems. In 1988, 51% of those served in Wyoming and 62% of those sewed in South Dakota were in thei r preferred setting. By 1996 the Wyoming percentage rose to 84%, where as South Dakota's percentage moved up to 72%. These increases enhanced other ''quality of life'' measures. Comparing 1996 with 1988, for exa mple, fewer individuals in both states reported no social or leisure a ctivities. Fewer reported the lack of transportation as a barrier and fewer reported having no one to accompany them to activities. More ind ividuals reported family contact, family visits, and identified a hobb y or personal leisure activity. The 8-year expansion of services and s upports had increased positive social activities. (C) 1998 Elsevier Sc ience Ltd.