Introduction: Although risk for suicide appears elevated in individuals with intellectual and developmental disorders (I/DD), few interventions or tools addressing suicide prevention have been adapted for this population. Among evidence-based interventions for preventing suicide, safety planning interventions are an effective and commonly employed…

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) created guidance documents that were too complex to be read and understood by the majority of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who often read at or below a third-grade reading level. This study explored the extent to…

Background: Although the Canadian Consensus Guidelines for Primary Care of Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities recommends conducting periodic health checks in primary care, uptake is lacking. This study seeks to understand factors influencing the conduct of periodic health checks and identify what needs to change to increase…

Background: Although older adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities face high risks of maltreatment, there are few interventions available to reduce these risks. This study describes the development of a research-based intervention that aims to reduce the risks of maltreatment for this population. Method: The development involved…

The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges particularly among group homes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) given the close interactions and living arrangements of residents. Thus, the purpose of this project was to determine if an educational intervention focused on COVID-19 and COVID-19…

This systematic review evaluated interventions and relevant outcomes for health promotion and obesity prevention among children and adolescents with developmental disabilities (DD). Twenty-one studies including randomized control trials (n= 9) and quasi-experimental studies (n=12) published between 2010 and 2021 met inclusion criteria related to…

Background: Historically, the research and treatment of self-injury has been disciplinarily siloed. As a result, the behaviour is understood and treated differently among individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. We explore the potential for an interdisciplinary research and practice agenda in self-injury. Method:…

During the COVID-19 pandemic, drastic measures to interrupt SARS-CoV-2 infection chains were implemented. In our study we investigated the consequences of pandemic related restrictions on the social, psychological, and physical well-being of institutionalized adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Methods: Online survey among…

Background: The abuse of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in care services seems to be relatively common, although there are anecdotal suggestions that abuse may be predictable and preventable. Method: Evidence related to how abuse is detected and prevented within services was reviewed. Database and ancestry searches were…

Previous research suggests that residence in non-metropolitan areas is associated with lower access to preventive care and poorer health. However, this research has been largely restricted to the general population, despite data demonstrating disparities in health status and access to healthcare services for people with intellectual and…

Employee learning and development is critical to organizational success, particularly during times of crisis when increased volatility and demand necessitate adaptability and skill. We draw on theories of workplace learning and social exchange to investigate the unique influence of formal training, informal learning, and organizational support for…

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) unquestionably have desires to engage in sexual and intimate relationships (Black & Kammes, 2019). However, with high rates of abuse and exploitation among people with IDD (Shapiro, 2018), it is important to evaluate their education regarding sexuality and romantic relationships.…

This qualitative study explored the training and preparation of educators who teach sexual health education to students identified as intellectual and developmentally disabled. People with disabilities experience the highest rates of abuse, including mental, emotional, physical, and sexual. Although there are many resources to help improve the…

Background: The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is offered in Australia to all males and females at 12 to 13 years. In 2015 the national HPV coverage was 77.4% for females and 66.4% for males. There is no Australian coverage data for the subgroup of adolescents with disabilities. Method: We reviewed the HPV vaccine status of all 14 year-old…

The Preschool Life Skills program is an intervention package designed to teach functional skills to prevent problem behavior in typically developing children. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effects of the instructional package (renamed "Life Skills") with children with developmental disabilities. The program…