This qualitative study used an inclusive and participatory research approach to examine the perspectives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) on instrumental supports. Instrumental supports include concrete and direct ways people assist others in solving a problem or accomplishing a task, including helping to access and…

Sisters and brothers play an important role in the lives of their siblings with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), starting in childhood and commonly increasing in adulthood. The current study compared typically-developing adult sisters' and brothers' level of involvement in the care of their siblings with IDD. Beyond this, the…

In the United States, employment experiences of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have been dominated by discrepancies between recent policy shifts promoting integrated employment for people with IDD and the stagnation of the employment rate in integrated settings for this population. Although there is no direct source…

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…

Although sexual and reproductive health is critically important for women with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), there is limited research elucidating the role of family caregivers in assisting women with IDD access sexual and reproductive health services and information. Understanding the family caregivers' attitudes and…

The current meta-analytic review analyzed 43 studies published in English, Chinese, and Japanese to determine the effects of caregiver involvement for promoting communication skills of individuals with ASD and IDD. Tau-U effect sizes, the Kruskal-Wallis H test, and the Dunn post hoc test were employed to calculate for moderator analyses: child…

College-based transition services are a model of transition services offered in college or university settings for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who receive transition services after age 18. This method of transition service has existed in some form for over three decades. However, little guidance is available on…

Respectful and trusting family-professional partnerships can positively influence the health care of children with intellectual and developmental disability. This article describes a creative interdisciplinary educational approach that includes family members and preservice professionals as partners, and evaluates the perceived impact of this…

Background: This study explored the way families support self-determination in young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) during life transitions. Method: Qualitative case studies were conducted with two Canadian families who participated in semi-structured interviews and ethnographic observations every quarter for one…

Families can be the most influential factor in successful employment and life planning for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), often leading them on the path to employment by serving as role models for work ethic and behavior. Yet families often lack the knowledge to move employment from an abstract belief to a real job.…

Justice-involved youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are at an increased risk of recidivism compared to their peers with and without disabilities. Due to the complexity and unique needs of youth with IDD served in the juvenile justice system, transition supports and services must be individualized and youth-centered…

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…

As youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are making plans to attend college, it is more important than ever that families become fully informed about guardianship as well as less-limiting alternatives. This brief defines some of the options and possible ramifications. It also presents special circumstances for consideration,…

Family involvement is an essential component of the special education process for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In addition to the legal requirement that parents should be equal partners in the decision-making of the student's individualized education program (IEP) program (IDEA, 2004), a bulk of empirical research…

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…