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
Category: Quality of Life
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
Siblings of Individuals with Disabilities (for parents)
How will my children relate to one another? Sibling relationships are often the longest-lasting relationships that your children form. Like all brothers or sisters, they may or may not develop close emotional relationships depending on individual differences and circumstances. Regardless, a child’s reaction to a sibling with a disability will have a lasting effect on… Read more Siblings of Individuals with Disabilities (for parents)
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
Parenting a Child With a Disability
The Day the World Changed When parents first learn that their child has a disability, they may experience feelings of grief. Parents often describe a sense of sadness and a feeling that the dreams they held for their child have been lost. Grief has many stages and may include a wide range of negative feelings.… Read more Parenting a Child With a Disability
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
Helping Your Child (and Family) Sleep Better
When a child has difficulty with sleep, it impacts the entire family. Sleep is associated with mood, learning, and daytime behavior. If you have a child with a developmental disability who also has difficulty with sleep, you are not alone. What is a sleep disorder? Many parents of children with autism and other developmental disabilities… Read more Helping Your Child (and Family) Sleep Better
Fitness and Children With Disabilities
Why Should Your Child Be Active? The obesity rate for children with disabilities in the United States is 38 percent higher than for children without disabilities. Nutrition is one component to a healthy lifestyle, but exercise also plays a key role. Engaging your child in an active lifestyle will: Burn calories to promote a healthy… Read more Fitness and Children With Disabilities