The direct support professional (DSP) workforce shortage crisis has reached untenable levels during the COVID-19 pandemic as DSPs rapidly exit the workforce. To gain a better understanding of factors that contribute to DSP resilience during stressful and challenging times, we interviewed 10 DSPs identified by colleagues as resilient to elicit…

Adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities are often prescribed psychotropic medication on an "as needed" basis (PRN) in response to behavioural challenges. In the present study we conducted a retrospective analysis of medication administration records in the 6-months preceding and following discharge of 11 adults…

Medical students receive very little instruction related to caring for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities. As a result, medical students and physicians alike report low levels of confidence in their ability to provide care to this population. In this piece, I provide a medical student's perspective on how to implement changes in…

The problems associated with undue and overbroad guardianship for people with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) have received increasing attention in recent years. In simple terms, guardianship threatens one's ability to exercise self-determination and make important decisions that reflect their own unique values, preferences, and…

Within the US there are over 300 postsecondary education (PSE) programs for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). College students enrolled in PSE programs for students with IDD often require support in using assistive technology (AT) to complete living, learning, and working tasks. To date, there is no systematic review…

This dissertation qualitatively studied the social interactions students with IDD had in Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) programs. Through a DSE lens, I analyzed the experiences of 15 current and former IPSE students to determine the phenomena of social interaction while at IPSE. Methods included focus groups, participant observations,…

It is important for educators to collect accurate information on the academic performance of students with the most significant cognitive disabilities who may be assessed with an Alternate Assessment Aligned with Alternate Academic Achievement Standards (AA-AAAS) to inform decisions about resources, programs, instruction, and individualized…

This article summarizes research focusing on communication skills of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who communicate primarily without speech, sign language, or augmentative communication. Importantly, developmental theories were emphasized as useful for interpreting communication in children and adults. These studies…

Adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) tend to receive inadequate comprehensive sex education (CSE). This problem could be addressed by providing sex education taught by general education health teachers to students with IDD in high school, a cost-effective yet underutilized and under researched service model. This…

Athletic trainers are healthcare providers who work in a variety of settings, including, but not limited to, secondary schools, colleges and universities, and physician clinics. Given the prevalence of developmental disabilities and the settings in which athletic trainers are employed, it is likely that athletic trainers will provide healthcare…

This qualitative study examined how educators' relationships with businesses impacts the nature of and access to work-based learning opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The study used the social network constructs of tie strength, density, reciprocity, and trust to explore relationship structures between…

Background: Canadian 24-h movement guidelines recommend that adults achieve 150 min per week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), 7-9 h of sleep per night and spend no more than 8-h per day sedentary to optimise health and wellbeing. Method: Using a cross-sectional survey of 131 family caregivers of adults with intellectual and…

We used the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Standards for evidence-based practices (EBP) in Special Education to evaluate the effectiveness research on the use of visual scene displays (VSDs) and video VSDs with young children with autism spectrum disorder and/or intellectual and developmental disability (ASD/IDD). VSDs and video VSDs are…

Background: Family carers of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are at increased risk of stress and often face barriers to accessing appropriate supports. Peer support can enhance the effects of well-being interventions, yet research is limited regarding family carers' experiences within peer support roles. Method:…

Background: Leadership is crucial for frontline managers leading direct support staff in intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) services because it impacts both the staff and service users. Method: A systematic review using CADIMA software, guided by the 2020 PRISMA statement, analysed 32 articles from Scopus, WOS, PsycINFO and EBSCO…