In 2019, an estimated 7.39 million people in the United States had an intellectual disability or developmental disability (I/DD). Of those, an estimated 30-70% also have a mental health condition. Despite this high prevalence, in most states, there is a chronic lack of a whole-person approach to supporting individuals with co-occurring I/DD and mental health service needs, with and without substance use disorder. This often prevents individuals with complex support needs from getting a coordinated approach to clinical services and community-based supports. There are also high rates of co-occurring mental health conditions for people with brain injuries and other cognitive disabilities.
For children and adults with I/DD, brain injuries, and other cognitive disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions, accessing services and supports can be difficult. Established in 2022, The Link Center works to improve access through systems change, workforce capacity building, and information sharing about emerging and promising practices that are person-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive.
Specifically, The Link Center:
- Maintains a library of trustworthy resources, models, and promising practices.
- Provides resources and technical assistance to assist state systems in developing policies and programs that support the provision of effective services and treatment.
- Develops and offers training to individuals with co-occurring disabilities and mental health conditions, family members, direct support professionals, clinicians, and other supporters.
- Promotes effective approaches to treatment and support.
- Fosters collaboration across disability and mental health services systems.
The work of The Link Center is driven by a steering committee made up of people with mental health conditions who also have I/DD, other cognitive disabilities, and brain injuries.
The Link Center Partnership
Funded by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), The Link Center is operated through a partnership between:
- National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS)
- National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD)
- National Association for the Dually Diagnosed (NADD)
- National Association of State Head Injury Administrators (NASHIA)
In addition, The Link Center partners with:
- Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)*
- CommunicationFIRST*
- Green Mountain Self-Advocates (GMSA)*
- National Center for START Services® at the UNH Institute on Disability,UCEDD
- Nisonger Center at The Ohio State University,UCEDD
- University of Arizona Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities,UCEDD
*Represented/led by self-advocates and people with disabilities
About ACL
The Administration for Community Living is an operating division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ACL was created based on the fundamental principle that older adults and people of all ages with disabilities should be able to live where they choose, with the people they choose, and with the ability to participate fully in their communities. By funding services and supports provided primarily by networks of community-based organizations and with investments in research, education, and innovation, ACL helps make this principle a reality for millions of Americans.