This article expands on 10 critical actions within the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) and The Arc's 2018 joint position statement on the right of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to have a free and appropriate public education (FAPE): (a) zero reject; (b) nondiscriminatory…

Although much has been written about the normalization and social inclusion of persons with developmental disabilities over the past 50 years, a small subset of this population has remained largely overlooked--individuals who are quadriplegic, non-verbal and who also have additional disabilities, including cognitive impairment. The present project…

The development of self-determination skills in individuals with developmental disabilities is a primary focus of curriculum development in the field. Research over the last decade has identified the components of self-determination and provided an analysis of individuals' acquisition of skills in this area. A key concern that has been less…

This study used surveys, interactive focus groups, and telephone interviews to explore the concept of advocacy and advocacy activities experienced by 32 parents and 11 individuals with developmental disabilities. Advocacy activities and supports (such as communication skills and networking) and barriers to successful advocacy (such as costs and…

Comparison of what people with developmental disabilities in Wyoming and South Dakota wanted and received in programs in 1988 (N=2,927) and in 1996 (N=3,934) found that the percentage of people placed in their preferred setting rose substantially, from 51% to 84% in Wyoming and from 62% to 72% in South Dakota. (Author/DB)

This study characterized individual advocacy performance differences of 3 individuals with developmental disabilities and 21 parents before and after participating in training programs called Partners in Policymaking. A three group taxonomy of advocate development (beginner, involved, and activist) is suggested. (DB)

This study evaluated the Consent Screening Interview, which assesses the ability of adults with developmental disabilities to give direct consent for community residential placement. Interviews conducted with 17 adults with mental retardation and a control group of 8 individuals indicated that the instrument differentiated between those subjects…

This report responds to requirements of Public Law 100-146, The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act Amendments of 1987. It describes existing services to persons with developmental disabilities, reports on a consumer satisfaction survey, and presents recommendations and plans. Thirteen major findings and discussion of 16…