Youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) aspire to participate in a variety of activities after high school, such as attaining paid employment, enrolling in postsecondary education, being involved in their communities, living independently, and building friendships. However, complex and longstanding transition barriers require…

This study examines the development of a 1950s educational programme for the inclusion of children with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) -- those with IQ scores of less than 50, referred to as "trainable" or "dependent" children -- into community life. Conducted by the American Association of Parents of…

Background: The birth of a child with an intellectual or developmental disability inherently presents challenges to parents regarding the child's long-term future. This qualitative study examined the perceptions of parents who are kibbutz members, focusing on the non-profit organisation they established and the socioeconomic model they developed…

The purpose of this qualitative case study aimed to explore parents' perceptions of the post-secondary transition experiences of individuals with intellectual disabilities at one postsecondary community program. Schlossberg's (1984) Transition Theory and the 4 S system consisting of situation, self, supports, and strategies was used as a lens for…

Special education advocacy programs educate and empower individuals to become advocates for families of school-aged children with disabilities. Although special education advocacy programs are becoming more common across the globe, replication and wide scale implementation are needed to determine their credibility. The purpose of this study was to…

Members of Korean American communities have displayed an increasing interest in volunteering opportunities with individuals with severe disabilities that promote social interaction and community engagement among them. However, little is known about community volunteer experiences and how Korean American volunteers can be better supported. In this…

Children with disabilities are at an increased risk of being less likely to participate when compared to their typically developing peers. The objective of this study was to determine whether there is a difference in the frequency of participation in the home, preschool and community setting between typically developing children and children with…

Currently, outcomes for people with autism and intellectual disabilities are poor, leaving some needing optimal life-long services. Little is known regarding the services provided at sustainable communities. This study's purpose is to explore the make-up of sustainable communities, those participating in them, and the services provided. One survey…

Positive outcomes for students have motivated educators to identify effective strategies for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in people with intellectual disability (ID), a minoritized population often excluded from DEI efforts. The current study investigated undergraduate student attitudes toward ID and compared changes in…

Is inclusion in the arts just a myth? Research has shown there are few peer reviewed journal articles and books published about inclusive programs in community art centers for adults with disabilities. This qualitative single case study critically reviewed the inclusive programs offered at a Midwestern community visual art center. During the…

Newcomers to Canada may initially resist learning through the arts, but it may be an ideal entry point as they begin to learn English and adjust to a new culture. The authors explored the value of learning through the arts in three settings: a settlement agency, Welcome Center and elementary school. Making art with adults was shown to overcome…

Background: Adults with intellectual disability do not meet recommended physical activity (PA) levels, contributing to sedentary lifestyles and health disparities. Community fitness facilities (CFFs) present valuable opportunities for engagement but are often underutilised. Method: This mixed-methods study, grounded in Social Cognitive Theory,…

There is a legal and ethical imperative to provide increased access to community-based settings for young children with disabilities. One way to address that is through Special Education itinerant teaching. Our systematic literature review identifies primary interventionists, delivery locations, outcomes of interventions and an assessment of the…

This dissertation in practice documents the program evaluation of the Community Scholars (CS) program at the Florida Center for Inclusive Communities (FCIC), a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) at the University of South Florida (USF). CS is part of a diversity pipeline program that recruits youth with…

Background: People with learning disabilities face significant health inequalities, including lower life expectancy and greater physical and mental health challenges. Community engagement approaches are increasingly used in health and social care to address these disparities, yet little is known about their impact. This review explored community…