Background: Self-directed supports (SDS) are a model of disability service delivery that focuses on supporting increased decision-making authority and budget autonomy for people with disabilities and their families. This study identifies supervisory and administrative staff's perspectives within a self-directed, individualised budgeting programme…

It is important to continuously support families to improve the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their family members. Using a life course approach to address strengths and needs of families, a National Community of Practice, infused with the "Charting the LifeCourse" framework, focused on systems…

This study reports on state-level data in Rhode Island on employment and non-work activities of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities receiving services between 2011 and 2017. The goal was to examine the complex patterns of change over time in individual-level employment outcomes and the potential short-term impacts of a consent…

The large, often miserable, state-run institutions that used to house people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) are closing as people with IDD increasingly live in community. Most states are actively working to close the remaining large state-run and non-state IDD institutions. If current trends continue, the remaining state-run…

Employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) has gained increased attention through legislation, policies, advocacy, and practice. For transition-age youth, this focus aims to set a trajectory of increased competitive employment outcomes and a lower reliance on facility-based and subminimum wage jobs. Using a…

We performed a scoping review of literature on schools' transfer of rights practices under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) with respect to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The review found only limited empirical evidence of how IDEA transfer of rights policies are implemented in schools and affect…

At the national level, integrated employment has become an important policy priority. Greater expectations are being placed on those charged with delivering employment supports, and disability systems are responding. However, the promise of integrated employment has yet to be realized for individuals with intellectual and developmental…

This brief is the first in a series focusing on Employment First implementation as it relates to one of the seven elements within the High-Performing States in Integrated Employment model. It examines the background of circumstances under which Employment First efforts began in seven states, and introduces each state's values, mission, and goals…

This self-assessment tool was developed for those who wish to embark on state-wide governmental systems change to improve high school transition and employment outcomes for youth and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Its purpose is to aid in the development of a work plan that is based on a review of the state…

Person-centered positive supports are about empowering people with disabilities to live lives that fully reflect their individuality and their humanity. They're about using evidence-based positive practices in the service of the needs, values, and goals of the person receiving the support. And they're about promoting quality of life for people in…

What our new center is about: People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) can work and want to work--yet the majority don't have jobs. State and national policies exist to increase employment, but systems have not aligned to make integrated employment a priority. To meet this need, the Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) at…