Why a Postsecondary Education? A postsecondary education can open a whole new world for people both with and without disabilities. The college experience allows one to broaden one’s interests, establish and pursue one’s goals, and form life-long friendships. In addition to a college education allowing for the possibility of a higher paying job, the social… Read more Postsecondary Education for Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities
Category: Adult with Disability
Trauma and Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
What is trauma? Trauma is understood as experiences or situations that are emotionally painful and distressing. Trauma can overwhelm an individual’s ability to cope, leaving him or her to feel powerless. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) describe traumatic experiences in a person’s life occurring before the age of 18. Examples of traumatic events that can have… Read more Trauma and Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Why Take Part in Research
What is research and why is it important? Research is investigating a subject to discover new information, or to revise existing information. It allows us to better understand ourselves and the world around us. In the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities research, such inquiry can aid in understanding the role of genetics in development,… Read more Why Take Part in Research
Teaching Stranger Safety Skills to Children and Adults With Disabilities
Why Do Children and Adults With Disabilities Need To Learn Safety Skills? Compared to people without disabilities, individuals with disabilities are at increased risk of experiencing abuse, being taken advantage of or bullied, and being kidnapped. It is important for individuals with disabilities to be aware of potential dangers and to learn skills that protect… Read more Teaching Stranger Safety Skills to Children and Adults With Disabilities
Rett Syndrome
Rett syndrome is a progressive neurodevelopmental disorder that is defined by: apparently typical development in the first 6 months of life, a period of developmental regression followed by stabilization, loss of spoken language, problems with walking, loss of purposeful hand use, and distinctive repetitive, hand movements (hand stereotypies). Rett syndrome primarily affects girls and women… Read more Rett Syndrome
Disabilities: Federal and State Public Policy
What is disability? Disability is a physical or mental condition that can affect a person’s ability to think, learn, behave, communicate, feel, and/or relate. Disability is a natural part of the human experience and does not diminish a person’s right or desire to participate fully in all aspects of life. One in five individuals has… Read more Disabilities: Federal and State Public Policy
Preparing for an Emergency
Why Do I Need to Prepare for an Emergency? You may think you are never going to be in an emergency, so you don’t need to prepare. However, almost all Americans live where they are at moderate or high risk of natural or human-made disasters. You need to plan before a disaster hits, and be… Read more Preparing for an Emergency
Positive Parenting
Positive Parenting is a way to parent your child that focuses more on your child’s positive behaviors rather than on your child’s problem behaviors. Things to do: Praise your child and tell him exactly what you like about his behavior. “I like how you cleaned up your toys!” Ignore minor negative behaviors such as whining… Read more Positive Parenting
Getting Outdoors
Children and adults with disabilities and their families will benefit from time spent outside in a number of ways. Research has shown children who regularly play outdoors tend to be less stressed and more creative, which ultimately can lead to happier, healthier, and more confident children. Time in nature also can encourage a sense of… Read more Getting Outdoors
Nutrition and Children With Disabilities
What nutritional concerns are common in children with disabilities? Many children with disabilities have health issues that can impact their nutritional well-being and eating habits. This makes meeting your child’s nutritional needs even more important. Some issues that might affect your child include: Slower oral-motor development Larger tongues, smaller teeth, challenges with chewing Food texture… Read more Nutrition and Children With Disabilities