Background: Although particular technologies can enhance the quality of life (QoL) of people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (we use the term pervasive support needs), their objectives and outcomes are understudied. A systematic literature review was therefore conducted to explore this topic. Method: A search of four databases…

Background: Advancements in medicine have increased the life expectancy of the people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities. The hypothesis is that as parents get older, they worry about no longer being there for their child. This paper explores the extent to which the experiences of older parents may differ from that of younger…

Introduction: This paper aims to identify to what extent staff training interventions are successful in enhancing the development of communication skills in people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities. Methods: A systematic review was undertaken, conforming to PRISMA guidelines. English language, peer reviewed, empirical studies of…

Individuals with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) rely on direct support professionals (DSPs) to communicate with them and plan meaningful activities of daily living (ADL) for them. This qualitative descriptive study explored how DSPs providing ongoing care who work directly with individuals with PIMD describe the use of…

Background: Parents' knowledge of their child with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) is seen as crucial in the support and care for their child. The aim of this study was to explore the nature and transferability of this knowledge. Method: We conducted an interpretative synthesis, searched PubMed, CINAHL, Philosopher's Index…

Introduction: Challenging behaviors are common in individuals with developmental disabilities and pose significant challenges to their well-being and that of their families and communities. Method: We explored the occurrence and predictors of self-injurious behavior and aggressive/destructive behavior in 372 Canadian youths (aged 4-20 years) with…

This brief, co-produced by the National Center on Deaf-Blindness (NCDB) and Accessible Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Systems (ATLAS), provides important information about the differences between students with significant cognitive disabilities who have cortical visual impairment (CVI) and those who have other types of visual impairment (VI).…

This brief, co-produced by the National Center on Deaf-Blindness (NCDB) and Accessible Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Systems (ATLAS), provides important information about students with dual sensory loss who also have significant cognitive disabilities, as well as recommendations for identification and implications for instruction. The…

Objectives: Engaging people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) in relation to issues of bereavement and loss is often seen as a complex therapeutic challenge. The author examines the barriers preventing them from engaging with the grieving process in supported ways. Methods: Through the lens of Worden's Tasks of Grief…

Supporting agency can be complex and challenging, especially when teaching students with severe disabilities (i.e., students with intellectual disability, autism, and/or multiple disabilities who are eligible for their state's alternate assessment). In this article, we compare Bandura's model of agency with constructs from the severe disabilities…

Prior studies have shown that young adults with severe physical and multiple disabilities are less likely to complete upper secondary education. This study aimed to identify whether these students' type of multiple disability, gender, location and literacy skills were associated with completion of upper secondary education. The participants were…

Background: People with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) are at risk of being motorically inactive. This study investigated the degree and type of motor activation in daily practice and its relationship to personal and contextual factors. Method: A total of 58 participants with PIMD participated in the study. Data concerning…

Reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 2004 established procedural mandates and accountability requirements ensuring all students with disabilities participate and progress in general education curriculum. Broadly speaking, improvements toward greater access have been found for many students with disabilities;…

This study used data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2012 (NLTS 2012) to explore the individualized education program (IEP)/transition planning participation and role of students with the most significant cognitive disabilities, compared to students with other disabilities. We viewed students with the most significant cognitive…

Background: Children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) meet other children with PIMD in day care centres or schools. This study explores the peer-directed behaviours of children with PIMD, the peer interaction-influencing behaviour of the direct support workers and the children's positioning. Method: Group activities for…