Inclusive research combines the expertise of academically trained researchers with the lived experience of individuals with disabilities to render results that are more accessible, accountable, and meaningful to the disability community. In this case study, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) contributed as co-researchers…

Museums have a history of being elitist institutions for educated, upper-class, White audiences. However, in recent decades, many museums have worked to overcome this idea by providing visitor-centered approaches to refocus their efforts and concentrate on the needs and interests of all visitors, rather than the objects on display. One population…

In 2014, the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Final Rule intended to improve the quality of HCBS for people with disabilities. The Rule focuses on improving outcomes through person-centered services and supports. These outcomes include privacy and dignity. This study…

This study used a community-based participatory research approach to examine what adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) view as important topics in sexuality education. A thematic analysis was conducted on questions written by adults with IDD regarding sexuality after attending a sexuality education group. Results were…

Dancers embody movement with an individualized approach, informed by their own unique physicality, creativity, and lived experience. In this paper, the author describes an integrative dance course in higher education that invites adult community members with developmental and intellectual disabilities to dance alongside college students twice per…

This study investigated the use of playgroups as a play-based intervention for Early Intervention aged children with developmental delays. Children currently enrolled in Early Intervention National, across New York State, and locally are being provided with fewer services than in prior years due to provider shortages. Children from diverse…

The purpose of this study was to investigate how the interaction project (i.e., Peer Lunch Club Project) influenced preservice general education students' attitudes towards disability and inclusion. Students enrolled in an introductory special education course were provided opportunities to socially interact with adults with disabilities. A total…

Previous studies have shown that participation in social networking sites (SNSs) enhances users' knowledge, social capital, and quality of life. However, people with intellectual developmental disabilities (PIDD) do not use SNSs to the same extent as the general population does. This study aimed to explore the experiences of those PIDD in South…

Since most individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities live at home, engaging families in social inclusion efforts is important to build more inclusive communities. This project was exploratory, mixed methods research about supporting families in how to expand social inclusion for their adult children who were living at home. There…

Mental illness, and its assessment and treatment, is a concern for caregivers and professionals working with people with intellectual disability (ID), as well as a cause of distress and disability for people with ID. Research in this area is hindered by difficulties associated with recognizing symptoms of mental illness and tracking their changes.…

Background: The purpose of this study was to uncover and understand factors influencing quality of care received by adults with developmental disabilities and/or mental health disorders living in group homes. Methods: The present authors conducted a secondary analysis of data from nine focus group discussions with adults with developmental…

Supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to thrive requires careful consideration of multiple avenues of community involvement. Yet little attention has focused on the place of faith community participation in the lives of adults with IDD. We examined attendance at religious services using National Core Indicator…

Lack of meaningful interaction between persons with and without disabilities contributes to prejudice and perpetuates barriers to community inclusion. The current study explored a university-community agency partnership designed to break down barriers to community inclusion by promoting interaction between college students and adults with…

This phenomenological research study examined the perspectives of parents and caregivers of persons with low-incidence exceptionalities through the use of semi-structured interviews. The purpose of the study was to determine what, if any, barriers they face in providing the best life possible for their children. All of the adult children in…

Adult siblings of people with autism and a learning disability have hitherto been largely overlooked by research, policy and practice in the UK. As part of a qualitative study focussing on adult siblings, we met twelve people with autism plus severe learning disability with their brother or sister. Individually tailored resources were used to make…