Postsecondary education (PSE) programs for students with intellectual disability should be built around a course of study leading to a meaningful credential. Typically, programs award a non-degree credential available only to students who are attending the program. In addition to or instead of these program-specific credentials, students in these…

As the United States' first disability-specific leadership academy in state government, the Leadership Academy for Excellence in Disability Services is a year-long competency-based training experience designed for employees who manage programs that impact the lives of Tennesseans with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.…

Peer-mediated interventions (PMIs) are evidence-based practices that improve outcomes for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Determining whether peers also benefit substantively from their involvement in these widely used practices is key to establishing the reciprocity of PMIs. This study examined the breadth and…

Parental stress increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Families with children with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) and extensive support needs--such as complex communication needs--experienced additional challenges, including service loss and difficulties accessing virtual learning. The purpose of this study was to understand…

The Higher Education Act as amended by the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA) contained several provisions to increase access to higher education for youth and adults with intellectual disability. One outcome of these provisions was the appropriation of funds by Congress to create a model demonstration program aimed at developing and…

Peer-mediated interventions (PMIs) offer substantial benefits to middle school, high school, and post-secondary students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). However, with no valid and reliable measure to capture the ways in which the peers without disabilities are impacted, far less is known about the outcomes for these…

Students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) require intensive supports, including those that target behavior, to make progress on literacy goals. In this study, we investigated whether computer-assisted instruction (CAI) may be one effective method to decrease challenging behavior and increase academic engagement. Participants…

This study examined rates of and contributing factors to self-determination among young adults with autism spectrum disorder. Caregivers of young adults with autism spectrum disorder, 16-25 years, from five Autism Treatment Network sites completed surveys about their young adults' transition experiences including the American Institutes for…

Compared to their nonautistic peers, lower levels of life satisfaction have been reported by autistic individuals. It is unclear, however, whether autistic individuals with intellectual disability report similar levels of life satisfaction as autistic individuals without intellectual disability or which characteristics are associated with life…

Although the importance and influence of spirituality in the lives of youth and young adults have garnered much attention, few studies have focused on the religious and spiritual lives of young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). We examined the congregational activities, spiritual practices, and strength of religious…

In the last decade, the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 has provided students with intellectual disabilities access to attend colleges across the United States. The researchers have collaborated with the Tennessee Inclusive Higher Education Alliance to investigate parents' perceptions of college programs in the state. The researchers…

In the last decade, the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 has provided students with intellectual disabilities access to attend colleges across the United States. The researchers have collaborated with the Tennessee Inclusive Higher Education Alliance to investigate parents' perceptions of college programs in the state. The researchers…

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…

Families are essential partners in efforts to elevate the employment outcomes of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). We examined the employment-related expectations, preferences, and concerns of 673 parents and other family members of adults with IDD. Participants prioritized paid integrated employment over sheltered…

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…