Although approximately a third of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) also experience a mental health concern, caregivers often miss early identification of these issues. In this perspective piece, we present an outline for a mental health literacy program that can enhance existing training approaches for caregivers…

Given the critical shortage of community providers and a growing aging population of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, siblings are expected to provide caregiving for their brothers and sisters with intellectual and developmental disabilities. However, family support and disability policies often do not acknowledge…

Family-school partnership is an essential component of the special education process for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Latinx families especially face systemic barriers when participating in education decision-making for their children with IDD. However, few interventions have been developed to facilitate and…

Rural elementary special education teachers primarily working with students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) may have less access to training in foundational reading content. We report results of a foundational reading knowledge assessment administered to a national sample of 220 U.S. special education teachers working in…

The world faces an imminent environmental crisis, highlighting the role of effective Environmental Education (EE) in cultivating an environmentally literate society capable of making informed decisions regarding individual and collective environmental actions. A primary goal of EE is the promotion of pro-environmental behaviour, a complex outcome…

The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges particularly among group homes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) given the close interactions and living arrangements of residents. Thus, the purpose of this project was to determine if an educational intervention focused on COVID-19 and COVID-19…

Internationally, parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities have historically engaged in advocacy leading to compulsory education for their children. However, few parents have reported civic engagement. Although empowerment is related to parent advocacy, it is unclear whether empowerment relates to civic engagement. Thus,…

Limited research exists about transfer of rights conversations between students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, their parents, and educators within special education. Through key informant interviews with 14 experts in the field of transition and transfer of rights, the authors sought to understand the factors that influence…

Given the increased longevity of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), future planning programs are becoming increasingly common. However, although siblings are likely to fulfill caregiving roles for people with IDD, siblings have not been included in future planning interventions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate…

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…

Evidence-based strategies for play, such as the application of systematic prompting techniques, require education and collaboration between occupational therapists and classroom educators to support implementation and carryover. Educating teachers and paraprofessionals regarding systematic prompting strategies to increase play within the classroom…

Background: Research suggests physicians may harbour paternalistic attitudes towards people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and lack the knowledge and skills to work with them. This study examined the impact of a brief intellectual and developmental disability curriculum intervention on these outcomes. Methods: First-year medical…

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…

There has been a sharp increase in mental health support for children in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a growing demand for school-based mental health services due to gaps in the US youth mental health infrastructure. This dissertation presents an action research study conducted in a Title I middle school in Arizona, exploring a school…

Preservice teachers often have low post-school expectations for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), although the stated goal of special education is to increase those very outcomes. However, setting high expectations and learning the accompanying soft skills is a complex skill set to include in special education…