Social chemistry is a powerful research-based framework focused on how individuals build networks that can positively impact their personal or professional lives. In this essay, through the lens of educational development, we apply these social network theory principles with respect to building connections to the expanding work of our field. We…

This study aims to investigate the effect of active time spent with older adults on young people's attitudes toward ageism. A single-group pretest-posttest experimental design, one of the quantitative research approaches, was used in the study. In the study conducted with 15 young people in the spring semester of 2023, data were collected using…

Background: Initiating meaningful moments of interaction with people with profound intellectual disabilities can prove to be difficult for support staff. Exploring the behaviour of support staff that precedes the initiations of behaviour by people with profound intellectual disabilities helps to shed light upon the potential facilitating effects…

Employment, social relationships, and autonomy are priorities to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). However, few validated measures exist to systematically assess these key adult outcomes in this population. This research includes first steps to develop self- and proxy report measures of life outcomes for adults with…

This two-cycle Action Research study was designed to examine and improve a co-teaching program for administrators and co-teachers at the high school level in one school district in Massachusetts. Co-teaching is the intentional sharing of a classroom by two educators with the goal of providing an enriched educational experience for all learners.…

Social factors, including social ties (the extent to which students form social ties with other students in the course) and social capital (the resources which are accessed through our social networks), have been acknowledged as important predictors of learning outcomes. Furthermore, they may be particularly important in online distance learning…

This paper explores relationships and sexuality education (RSE) in New Zealand secondary schools. After conducting a nationwide survey of teachers and producing a report on the challenges reported by RSE teachers, we began to develop a paper exploring the perennial issues faced by RSE teachers as they enact curriculum policy. Given that these…

The incorporation of universal design for learning (UDL) in higher education holds promise for enhancing student engagement and fostering deeper learning experiences. This case study delves into the implementation of UDL in a blended graduate course by examining students' perceptions of their learning encounters. Data collection involves an online…

Background: People with intellectual disabilities have equal rights to explore their sexuality and access sexual and reproductive healthcare, yet little is known about their needs and wants when accessing health education. The current study sought to learn about the sexual health interests, attitudes, and educational needs of Special Olympics (SO)…

Background: Engagement of individuals with an intellectual disability and their caregivers in health care has been highlighted as an essential factor in developing services that better meet client needs; however, few studies have focused on the engagement of individuals with a dual diagnosis (intellectual disability co-occurring with a mental…

Noting the popular psychology embrace of "self-care," in this study, we sought to assess the relationship between self-care behaviors and symptoms of depression and anxiety in school psychology graduate students. Participants were recruited from the National Association of School Psychology (NASP) approved graduate training programs. A…

Drawing on Judith Butler's theory of performativity and positioning approaches, this paper examines how asylum seekers actively assert agency in navigating and (re)constructing their subjectivities and identities within research interviews. The analysis explores the power dynamics inherent in the interview setting and broader public discourse,…

Background: Previous studies show that the personal support networks of people with intellectual disability are smaller and less diverse than those of people without intellectual disability. This article aims to compare the characteristics of the personal networks of young people with and without intellectual disability. Method: The Personal…

The performance of standardized tests is an ongoing matter of concern for childhood researchers. Standardized tests are often described as neglecting the ethical complexities of doing research with young children. However, this critique is primarily presented in general terms, and does not attend to the locality and specificity of particular test…

The current study examined the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting restrictions have had on individuals with intellectual and developmental disability. Semi-structured focus groups were conducted to collect data from participants who attended day programming by local community agency. Results indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic and its…