Background: Deinstitutionalisation refers to the transition of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities from large institutions to smaller homes in the community. The purpose of this study was to explore how family members of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities perceived their loved ones' community…

While the intersections of normalization and outsider art have been articulated in studio art therapy practice with people labeled/with IDD, little attention has been given to the intersection of art therapy, artists labeled/with IDD and disability art. As a counter-cultural endeavor rooted in a political movement, disability art offers a distinct…

The large, often miserable, state-run institutions that used to house people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) are closing as people with IDD increasingly live in community. Most states are actively working to close the remaining large state-run and non-state IDD institutions. If current trends continue, the remaining state-run…

Using the family resilience model, we examined the association between empowerment, family member age, length of institutionalization, and resilience among family members of relatives with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) following deinstitutionalization. Participants included 56 family members whose relatives with IDD recently…

Background: This study investigated perceived quality of life (QoL) of community-dwelling middle-aged adults (30-50 years) with an intellectual disability and/or developmental disability living in rural or urban areas in New South Wales and Queensland, Australia. The specific aim of the current paper was to provide a descriptive evidence base of…

The demand for graduates in STEM continues to expand in industry. To address the demand, not enough focus is on programs for students with disabilities having knowledge in STEM. This paper describes a post-secondary program at a school of computer science and information systems that is contributing marketability in STEM for moderately impaired…

Background: The transition period out of the educational system can be a source of stress for parents of young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as families lose the support and respite offered by schools. Materials and Methods: Using a before and after design nested within a 24-month follow-up study of parents seeking adult…

The deinstitutionalization movement that began 50 years ago remains a current issue for professionals and families. Using qualitative phenomenology methodology, we investigated the experience of mandated deinstitutionalization for parents and siblings whose relatives with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) transitioned from…

The field of developmental disabilities is as multi-faceted, varied and intricate as anything imaginable. Most of the author's management and professional experience has centered on vocational opportunities and supported employment for people with significant disabilities. The author shares some thoughts and experiences about supporting people in…

At a special education school in Tanzania, children learn in natural settings using a functional curriculum that has been adapted to their local context. Children with developmental disabilities are supported in learning the skills and knowledge they need to participate in their families and the community. The school utilized funds of knowledge…

As of 2004, more than 114,000 individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities in the United States were identified as receiving supports for community-based nonwork (CBNW), that is, activities that do not involve paid employment but do take place in the community rather than that in a facility (Institute for Community Inclusion, 2007).…

Although much has been written about the normalization and social inclusion of persons with developmental disabilities over the past 50 years, a small subset of this population has remained largely overlooked--individuals who are quadriplegic, non-verbal and who also have additional disabilities, including cognitive impairment. The present project…

This manual was designed primarily for use by individuals with developmental disabilities and related conditions. It is hoped that it is also useful for families, as well as service coordinators and providers who directly assist families and individuals with developmental disabilities. The main focus of this manual is to provide easy-to-read…

Management of psychosocial aspects of Prader-Willi syndrome is considered for several quality of life issues, including social change, increased life expectancy, parent stress, child stress, independence, residential options, and access to services. (JDD)

Fifteen parents and two grandparents of children with developmental disabilities (DD) were interviewed to discover common themes regarding specific ways in which they devised positive adaptations to their everyday routines to accommodate the needs of their children with DD, how they decided upon the accommodations, and how much help they felt they…