Background: This study investigates the healthcare needs and experiences of adults with intellectual disabilities, focusing on identifying areas for improvement. Its innovation lies in including individuals with intellectual disabilities as co-researchers in the research process. Method: Thematic analysis was performed on five focus groups with 30…

Conducting qualitative research on young people with intellectual disability and the Internet poses methodological challenges as well as opportunities. Based on memos from a qualitative study, this article focuses on identified gaps related to the challenges of informed consent, access to Internet arenas and using stimulus materials.…

The purpose of the present study was to explore what wireless and wearable technologies individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) use to connect socially, how these technologies are used to facilitation social connectedness, what barriers or challenges exist when using technology to connect socially, and what supports or…

Background: Wider communication about death and dying for those with intellectual disabilities has been highlighted as being of key importance. Objective: To gain the perspective of paid carers based in residential homes about meaningfully supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities in the bereavement process. Methods: Semi-structured…

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,…

The Higher Education Opportunity Act has increased the number of postsecondary education programs established to assist individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) in attending college. With the development of these new programs, there is an ever-present need to assess the interactions and necessary strategies to support students with ID in…

Background: People with severe-to-profound intellectual disabilities often lack meaningful interactions with others. Communication partners need to be skilled in identifying and responding to often-subtle behaviours. One method of facilitating interaction is the use of sensory-based stimuli. Method: This study measured the impact of sensory-based…

Visual supports (VS) are evidence-based interventions for students who have intellectual disability (ID). We examined the efficacy of VS as an intervention to increase independent conversational turn taking with peers at a secondary level. This study used single subject ABAB withdrawal design across two participants employing VS in an unstructured…

Background: Before COVID-19, people with intellectual disabilities were digitally excluded, facing difficulties accessing and using technology. The pandemic outbreak closed down many in-person services and supports for this population. Methods: This study examined changes in technology use to support the healthcare and social connections of older…

Students with an intellectual disability are increasingly attending inclusive postsecondary education programs (IPSEs) to equip them to thrive in adult-life environments. Students within these programs receive support in various areas, such as academics, employment, social engagement, personal development, and independent living. While It is well…

As more students with an intellectual disability are attending postsecondary programs at colleges and universities, these students are presented with new opportunities for socialization (e.g., conversing with peers and faculty across campus environments, joining organizations of interest, and participating in campus events). The generalization of…

The study investigates the essential components and strategies that promote successful collaboration between parents and teachers in special needs education. Prior research highlights the positive impact of collaboration on students' academic, social, and emotional development, but gaps remain in understanding the lived experiences of those…

Background: Mental health professionals play an important role in providing care and treatment for adults with intellectual disabilities. A number of studies use qualitative methods to explore the experiences of these professionals and their perspectives regarding the mental health services for this population. A systematic review using…

This scoping review addresses peer-reviewed research on musical interaction with children and young people with severe/profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (S/PIMD). Twenty-five articles published between the years 2000 and 2020 met the inclusion criteria. A narrative synthesis was used to summarise and evaluate different features,…

Supporting children and young people's mental health and well-being is central to UK Government policy, with statistics suggesting post-16 students and those with learning difficulties are vulnerable. This case study explored how practitioners at a special school for students with severe and profound and multiple learning difficulties promote…