Postsecondary education programs (PSEs) for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in colleges and universities expand opportunities for these young adults and result in positive outcomes, including employment and improved social networks. Although participating in postsecondary education results in numerous benefits for…

Background: Associations between childhood adversity and negative health outcomes are well documented within the general population; however, this relationship has yet to be confirmed in adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Bridging the gap between public health and I/DD research is critical in order to better understand…

The aim of this study was to explore caregivers' views about the risks of the Internet for people with intellectual disabilities and their preparation and ability to use prevention strategies to address them. The participants (20 family members and 24 staff members) belonged to a non-profit association working with people with developmental and…

Racial and ethnic health disparities are a pervasive public health problem. Emerging research finds similar health disparities among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) compared to nondisabled adults. However, few studies have examined racial and ethnic health disparities among adults with IDD. Using national data, we…

Background: The study explored the grief process of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (PWIDDs) as perceived by direct care workers (DCWs) and how such workers can guide and support PWIDDs experiencing grief. Materials and Methods: A thematic analysis approach was used to examine data from nine focus groups with 60 DCWs from…

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are among the most likely Americans to be unemployed, live in poverty, or rely on public programs. In 2013, only 23% of working-age people with cognitive disabilities--a broad demographic category that includes individuals with IDD--were employed, compared to 72% of people without…

Lack of meaningful interaction between persons with and without disabilities contributes to prejudice and perpetuates barriers to community inclusion. The current study explored a university-community agency partnership designed to break down barriers to community inclusion by promoting interaction between college students and adults with…

Background: While statistics related to the sexual abuse of people with developmental disabilities are alarming, there remains a gap in the services and supports available to promote sexual health and healthy relationships and prevent sexual abuse of this population. Objective: To develop and deliver a sexual health education programme for…

Peer relationships are just as important for students with autism, intellectual disability, and other developmental disabilities. Through their interactions with peers across the school day, students develop new skills, encounter new perspectives, access needed supports, find camaraderie, develop social capital, learn prevailing norms, and elevate…

Objectives: Behavioral and emotional problems exhibited by children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have been identified as significant stressors for family members in both cross-sectional and longitudinal research. However, there is variability in the extent to which family members are affected by behavioral and emotional…

Speech language and hearing (SLH) services can improve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities' (IDD) health, autonomy, and community participation. The aim of this study was to explore how SLH services are offered to people with IDD across the nation, particularly in fiscal year 2015 Medicaid Home and Community Based Services…

There are a multitude of benefits associated with employment, which many individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) are not afforded due to their struggles to find and maintain work. These poor employment outcomes are in part being addressed by the over 240 postsecondary education (PSE) programs for students with IDDs that…

Although individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are living longer lives, fewer than half of parents of individuals with IDD conduct future planning. The correlates and barriers to future planning must be identified to develop targeted interventions to facilitate future planning. In this study, 388 parents of individuals…

Background: Direct support providers (DSPs) in community residential services are often central figures in the lives of service recipients. There is little research to date focusing on what motivates these employees to remain in the field despite stressful work conditions. Methods: An exploratory descriptive analysis of qualitative data obtained…

Federal and state policy shifts have opened the doors to meaningful community employment for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD). Progress is apparent across the country: creative outcomes for individuals with significant support needs through customized jobs and self-employment, innovative practices at the provider…