The third in a series of position papers regarding deinstitutionalization of individuals with developmental disabilities in Ohio, the paper addresses future directions in adult services. Basic planning principles guiding the delivery of services are briefly reviewed, followed by a list of five objectives of adult programs. The next section describes the traditional continuum of day program options for adults with developmental disabilities (ranging from regular employment and on the job training to adult day care and no day program) and suggests the negative aspects of such a continuum. Federal, state, and local constraints to the development of adult services in Ohio are noted. Three fundamental prerequisites of any such service delivery strategy are examined. Utilization of generic services, case coordination, and prevocational training. The role of day programs is discussed, and the importance of focusing on individual needs, providing the most culturally normative setting possible, and ensuring a range of vocational options (including sheltered workshops) is emphasized. The traditional and proposed approaches to providing vocational services are contrasted via case studies of persons with severe, moderate and multiple handicaps and severe behavior problems, and older and currently unserved persons. The report concludes with general recommendations along with more specific ones in the areas of planning, funding, monitoring/evaluation, and training and technical assistance. (CL)