Connecting Individuals With Disabilities With Meaningful Employment (for Faith Communities)

The overall unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities is 10.1% (U.S. Dept. of Labor, Feb. 2022), and according to a report from the President’s Committee for People With Intellectual Disabilities (2004), individuals with severe disabilities, such as an intellectual disability or autism, the unemployment rate fluctuates between 80-90%. It is clear that individuals with disabilities… Read more Connecting Individuals With Disabilities With Meaningful Employment (for Faith Communities)

Autism Tip Sheet (for Librarians)

What is autism? Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the early brain development of 1 out of 36 children. The primary characteristics of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are: Impaired social relating and reciprocity. Impaired use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye contact, facial expression, and gestures. Failure to develop peer relationships or… Read more Autism Tip Sheet (for Librarians)

Including Students with Multiple/Severe Disabilities in the General Education Classroom

Meaningful Participation Every student has the right to actively participate in natural settings within their school and community. In education, inclusion means educating students with disabilities among their peers without disabilities to the greatest extent possible. Inclusion in the general education classroom provides all students the opportunity to participate, learn, and feel a sense of… Read more Including Students with Multiple/Severe Disabilities in the General Education Classroom

Intellectual Disabilities

What is an intellectual disability? An intellectual disability is a condition that begins before age 18 and significantly limits intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. Individuals with intellectual disabilities may have challenges with learning, reasoning, problem solving, and/or thinking abstractly and quickly, and may also have additional challenges with everyday social and practical skills. Those born… Read more Intellectual Disabilities

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

Health Care for Adults with Disabilities (for Primary Care Physicians and Nurses)

Why is health care an issue? Adults with intellectual or other developmental disabilities often face barriers to good health care. Many primary care providers do not have much experience treating individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). There may be physical barriers to receiving care, such as examining tables that don’t lower completely for those… Read more Health Care for Adults with Disabilities (for Primary Care Physicians and Nurses)