Evidence suggests that integrated support, combining both natural and formal supports, is often essential for individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve their preferred quality of life. However, studies are limited on how to organize supports so that people with developmental disabilities and their families find a balance between…

Background: Research indicates that music-based interventions can improve quality of life for neurodiverse adults; however, there is limited research on community choirs. The purpose of this practice-based study was to determine feasibility, initial outcomes, and perceptions of benefits/barriers of participation in a community-based choir for…

Experiences of belonging are a basic human need (Baumeister & Leary, 1995), and the accessibility of belonging might look different for individuals labeled with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) due to historic and ongoing exclusion. This qualitative, participatory study explored how adults with intellectual and developmental…

The impact of long-term services and supports on the quality of life of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is not well understood given the highly complex nature of researching this topic. To support future research addressing this topic, we conducted a systematic literature review of studies addressing outcomes of…

Employment, social relationships, and autonomy are priorities to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). However, few validated measures exist to systematically assess these key adult outcomes in this population. This research includes first steps to develop self- and proxy report measures of life outcomes for adults with…

The current study examined the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting restrictions have had on individuals with intellectual and developmental disability. Semi-structured focus groups were conducted to collect data from participants who attended day programming by local community agency. Results indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic and its…

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…

Background: We identified participant-level risks and safeguards in social-behavioural research with adults with developmental disabilities. Method: We conducted a qualitative systematic review on risks and safeguards in peer-reviewed research with adults with developmental disabilities. We identified research reporting on risks and safeguards…

Adults with developmental disabilities and educational researchers have identified many holes in the practices currently used to educate non-speaking youth with developmental disabilities, especially those with extensive support needs (Kapp, 2020; Taub, et al., 2017). While technology cannot provide a magical, sweeping fix to barriers to…

Background: This study sought a holistic understanding of lived experiences of individuals with a sibling who has intellectual and developmental disabilities using photovoice. Methods: Seven adult female siblings of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in South Korea engaged in six weekly photovoice sessions, including an…

As more adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities move into inclusive settings in the community, it is essential to address budgeting and finance issues to avoid real concerns of financial exploitation. Adults with intellectual and developmental disability often comprise the "working poor", even if they are among the 20%…

Background: Children and adolescents with language problems have poorer mental health compared with their non-language impaired peers. Less is known about mental health in adults with a history of language problems. This paper presents a systematic review and meta-analysis that addresses this gap in the literature. Specifically, it summarises the…

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…

A growing number of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) attend day programming. These programs are designed to give consumers the opportunity to explore the community, socialize with community members, and to engage in community activities. Unfortunately, activities offered may be selected by program staff without much…