Background: The last decade has seen developments in collaborative multi-sensory theatre and dramatic performance involving individuals with profound and multiple learning disabilities. The current study investigated co-development processes used by a multi-sensory theatre company that employed four artists with profound and multiple learning…

Background: Including people with severe/profound intellectual disabilities as research participants challenges researchers due to their diverse abilities to participate and express themselves. Ensuring the rigour of the research and the credibility of the findings presents a challenge. Methods: We use examples from our research to demonstrate…

Background: Caring for persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) demands specific expertise. Tacit knowledge seems to play an important role, but little is known about its nature, including what is necessary for its development and transfer. Aim: To gain understanding of the nature and development of tacit knowledge…

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…

Background: The objective of this study is to explore experiences of Czech mothers caring for children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities. Methods: Semistructured interviews combined with biographical narration of mothers of children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities and a short questionnaire for demographic…

Children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and extensive support needs (ESN) face a high risk of experiencing traumatic events, which may lead to a myriad of negative mental and physical health and educational outcomes. Identifying symptoms and treating trauma, however, are challenging due to communication difficulties, vague or…

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: A measure to provide insight regarding health-related quality of life of adults with severe motor and intellectual disabilities was lacking. For this reason, the CPADULT was developed. This measure includes domains relating to an individual's physical, mental, and social functioning. The purpose of this study was to assess the…

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: The preferences of people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) often remain unfulfilled since it stays challenging to decode their idiosyncratic behavior resulting in a negative impact on their quality of life (QoL). Physiological data (i.e. heart rate (variability) and motion data) might be the missing piece…

In this special section of "Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities" ("RPSD"), the intersection of race, ethnicity, culture, and language influences schooling (i.e., what is taught, how, and where) for students of color with significant cognitive disabilities is explored. Contemporary issues facing people of…

Background: People with severe learning disabilities and complex needs are more likely to experience delayed discharge from hospital; however, there is little research into their experience in hospital and as they move out as part of the Transforming Care Programme. Methods: Six family members of people with complex needs who had moved out of…

This phenomenological study sought to understand how members of a special education team account for and navigate successes and barriers faced during the planning and implementation of community experiences for students with severe disabilities. The needs and abilities of this population are vast and often difficult to accurately define, and there…

Composite narrative case studies are a relatively novel technique to combine multiple data points into a single vignette. This method offers an accessible option for the presentation of research findings that can engage diverse audiences. Findings presented in this manner honor qualitative commitments to preserve rich, complex, and situated…

Communication infuses all dimensions and stages of life, influencing one's self-determination and quality of life. A number of empirical studies have demonstrated that people with severe disabilities continue to develop communication and language skills well into their adult years and make measurable gains when provided with appropriate…