Research and Training Center on Community Living (RTC-CL)

Description

Conducts a wide range of research, training, and technical assistance and dissemination projects related to community supports under its center grant and related project funding. The RTC-CL is NIDILRR's national center on community living and participation for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Director
Amy S Hewitt
Website
rtc.umn.edu/
Contact
rtc@umn.edu, 612-624-6328
Funder
National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, U.S. Department of Education
Collaborators
Syracuse University
Human Services Research Institute
Institute for Community Inclusion, University of Massachusetts Boston
National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services

Staff

Brian H Abery :: Senior Research Associate


Jessica L Baltzley :: Operations Manager


Brian C Begin :: Education Program Specialist


Claire E Benway :: National Training Consultant


Julie Bershadsky :: Director, Community Living and Employment


Staff

Connie J Burkhart :: Graphic Designer


Kristin Dean :: Director of Information Technology


Rebecca Dosch Brown :: Director of Interdisciplinary Education


Nicholas E Fernholz :: Administrative Associate 3


Rachel L Freeman :: Senior Research Associate


Sarah Hall :: Research Associate


Jennifer A Hall-Lande :: Research Associate


Libby J Hallas :: Project Coordinator


Amy S Hewitt :: Director, Institute on Community Integration


Staff

Sarah L Curtner :: Graphic and Multimedia Designer


Staff

Mackenzie Farrington :: Graduate Research Assistant


Staff

Sherry L Healey :: Education Program Specialist


Julie E Kramme :: Research Fellow


Sheryl A Larson :: Research Manager


Shawn C Lawler :: Web Developer


Danielle C Mahoehney :: Community Living and Employment Specialist


Macdonald M Metzger :: Director of Outreach and Engagement


Mark R Olson :: Project Coordinator


Susan N O'Nell :: Director of Curriculum Development


Sandra L Pettingell :: Research Associate


Staff

Amanda W Ryan :: Academic Technologist


Jerry W Smith :: Director of Marketing and Communications


John G Smith :: Research Project Specialist


Staff

Michelle C Smith :: Education Program Spec 2


Jolene M Thibedeau Boyd :: Education Program Spec 2


Renata Ticha :: Senior Research Associate


Chet Tschetter :: National Workforce Consultant


Kelly E Chirhart :: Education Program Spec 3


Staff

Jonathon P Walz :: Software Engineer


Staff

John D Westerman :: Web Developer


Product

Maryland Intentional Overtime and Credentialing Programs Comprehensive Evaluation

Effective support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities relies on the presence of competent, qualified, and dedicated direct support staff. In Maryland, several provider …

Published: 2023

Policy Forum: The Direct Support Workforce and COVID-19: Vaccinations

This Policy Forum addresses COVID-19 vaccinations among direct support professionals (DSPs). It is based on a Policy Research Brief of the same name. The brief contained findings from a recent …

Published: 11/09/2021

Frontline Initiative: DSPs Using the NADSP Code of Ethics

Every day, direct support professionals (DSPs) make significant decisions affecting the lives of the people they support. But it can be hard for DSPs to make decisions when they are doing something…

Published: Fall/Winter 2023

In-Home and Residential Long-Term Supports and Services for Persons with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities: Status and Trends Through 2016

A report describing the status of, and trends in, long-term supports and services for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities in the U.S. on June 30, 2016. It is based on an annual …

Published: 2018

Research Brief 8: Employment Outcomes and Paid Leave for Caregivers of Children with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities

A brief examines a Family and Individual Needs for Disability Supports (FINDS) survey subsample of 388 caregivers of minor children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD), ages...

Published: Fall 2018

Research Brief 9: Employment Outcomes and Paid Leave for Caregivers of Adults with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities

A brief examining a Family and Individual Needs for Disability Supports (FINDS) survey subsample of 807 caregivers of adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD), ages 18 and...

Published: Fall 2018

Frontline Initiative: The Changing Roles of the Direct Support Professional

A newsletter issue recognizing the changing role of the Direct Support Professional (DSP). This issue highlights public policies that can support the changing role of DSPs, and ways they support …

Published: 2018

The Effectiveness of Engaging Parents and Family Members to Expand the Social Inclusion of Adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Living with Families

A report detailing the methods and findings of a social inclusion study. Since most individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities live at home, engaging families in social...

Published: 2018

FSRTC Research Brief 8: Family Caregivers of Family Members with IDD Differ from Other Caregivers in the Kinds and Duration of Supports They Provide

A brief comparing caregiving experiences of family caregivers for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) with those of caregivers who responded to the Caregiving in the U.S. …

Published: Winter 2018

DD Data Brief: Characteristics of Aging Caregivers in the NHIS-D

A brief summarizing findings from the National Health Interview Survey Disability Supplement conducted by the U.S. Bureau of the Census, National Center on Health Statistics in 1994 and 1995. It …

Published: July 2006

DD Data Brief: Mothers with Disabilities - Characteristics and Outcomes: An Analysis From the 1994/1995 NHIS-D

A brief summarizing findings from the National Health Interview Survey conducted by the U.S. Bureau of the Census, National Center on Health Statistics in 1994 and 1995. In these years, 202,560 …

Published: December 2005

DD Data Brief: Social Activities of Non-Institutionalized Adults in the NHIS-D: Gender, Age, and Disability Differences

A follow-up brief to issue 3(1) describing the social activities of adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (ID/DD) using the National Health Interview Survey Disability Suppleme…

Published: September 2005

DD Data Brief: Problems in Defining Mental Retardation and Developmental Disability: Using the National Health Interview Survey

A brief offering a second look at the 1997-2004 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and its usefulness in describing the characteristics and needs of persons with intellectual or developmental …

Published: June 2005

DD Data Brief: Response Patterns Among Adult Respondents with Mental Retardation in the National Health Interview Survey, 1997-2002

A brief representing a departure from previous issues in the series, which have focused on the characteristics and needs of persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities (ID/DD) in the …

Published: July 2004

DD Data Brief: Gender, Age, and Disability Differences in Functional Limitations for Non-Institutionalized Adults in the NHIS-D

A brief summarizing findings from the National Health Interview Survey conducted by the U.S. Bureau of the Census, National Center on Health Statistics, in 1994 and 1995, which included a Disabilit…

Published: January 2004

DD Data Brief: Service Use by and Needs of Adults with Functional Limitations or ID/DD in the NHIS-D: Difference by Age, Gender, and Disability

A brief summarizing findings from the National Health Interview Survey on Disability conducted by the U.S. Bureau of the Census, National Center on Health Statistics in 1994 and 1995. It is an …

Published: December 2003

DD Data Brief: Health Insurance Coverage and Health Care Experiences of Persons with Disabilities in the NHIS-D

A brief describing the experiences with public and private health insurance coverage for people with functional limitations, people with IDD, and people who do not have IDD or functional limitation…

Published: May 2003

DD Data Brief: Children with Disabilities: Social Roles and Family Impacts

A brief using the 1994-1995 Child Disability Follow-Back Survey (DFS) of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) to examine the characteristics of children between the ages of 6 and 17 who …

Published: August 2002

DD Data Brief: Functional Limitations of Adults in the U.S. Non-Institutionalized Population: NHIS-D Analysis

A brief comparing the demographic characteristics, health status, functional limitations, and perceived disability status for adults in three groups who had mental retardation and/or developmental …

Published: October 2001

DD Data Brief: Demographic Characteristics of Persons with MR/DD Living in Their Own Homes or With Family Members

A brief describing people with mental retardation and/or developmental disabilities (MR/ DD) living in the community in terms of demographic characteristics and economic status. Those characteristi…

Published: June 2001

DD Data Brief: Characteristics of and Service Use by Persons With MR/DD Living in Their Own Homes or With Family Members

A brief describing people with MR/DD living in the community in terms of basic demographic characteristics, functional and other limitations, residential services history, medical services received…

Published: April 2001

Impact: Feature Issue on Postsecondary Education and Students with Intellectual, Developmental and Other Disabilities

A newsletter issue exploring what we know, and what we still need to know, about supporting increased participation of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, in postsecondary …

Published: Autumn/Winter 2010/2011

Impact: Feature Issue on Sexuality and People with Intellectual, Developmental and Other Disabilities

A newsletter issue exploring the question "What does it mean to affirm and support a positive, healthy sexuality for individuals with disabilities?" Its articles cover topics ranging from sexuality…

Published: Spring/Summer 2010

Impact: Feature Issue on Aging and People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

A newsletter issue exploring the question, "What can be done today to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are aging?" Its articles give a variety of responses to …

Published: Winter 2010

Impact: Feature Issue on Early Childhood Education and Children with Disabilities

A newsletter issue responding to the question, "How can families and early childhood professionals provide quality, inclusive early childhood education for young children with and without disabilit…

Published: Summer/Fall 2009

Impact: Feature Issue on Employment and Women with Disabilities

A newsletter issue that encourages readers to hold an expansive vision of what's possible for women with disabilities in the employment arena, and offers strategies, resources, and inspiration to …

Published: Summer/Fall 2008

Impact: Feature Issue on Disaster Preparedness and People with Disabilities

A newsletter issue addressing the need for greater inclusion of people with disabilities in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. When disasters occur people with disabilities are …

Published: Spring/Summer 2007

Impact: Feature Issue on Parenting Teens and Young Adults with Disabilities

A newsletter issue exploring strategies for families of teens and young adults with disabilities to consider in navigating the transition years with their young person, and sharing stories of …

Published: Spring/Summer 2006

Impact: Feature Issue on Social Inclusion Through Recreation for Persons with Disabilities

A newsletter issue proposing that one way to increase the social inclusion of individuals with disabilities is for children, youth and adults with and without disabilities to play together. While …

Published: Summer 2003

Impact: Feature Issue on Faith Communities and Persons with Developmental Disabilities

A newsletter issue continuing the dialog about inclusion that has already begun between persons with disabilities, faith communities, and the disability services system. "A basic component of …

Published: Winter 2001/02

Impact: Feature Issue on Violence Against Women with Developmental or Other Disabilities

A newsletter issue examining violence as it impacts women with developmental and other disabilities - what we know, what we don't know, and what needs to be done to prevent it and to help women …

Published: Fall 2000

Partnerships for Success - Curricula for Supervisors, Managers, and Administrative Staff: Removing the Revolving Door - Strategies to Address Recruitment and Retention Challenges

A curriculum targeting frontline supervisors and managers regarding the use of effective recruitment, retention, and training strategies. Includes Facilitator Guide and Learner Guide.

Published: 2001

Partnerships for Success - Curricula for Supervisors, Managers, and Administrative Staff: The Power of Diversity: Supporting the Immigrant Workforce

A curriculum helping supervisors and other agency staff find, support, and retain immigrant workers. Includes Facilitator Guide and Learner Guide.

Published: 2001

Frontline Initiative: DSPs Respond to COVID-19

This issue is dedicated to direct support professionals and all they have endured since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes stories from self-advocates, family members, health care …

Published: 2021

Policy Research Brief: Family Support for Families of Persons with Developmental Disabilities in the U.S.: Status and Trends

A brief summarizing the trends in family support services for families of persons with developmental disabilities in the U.S. based on longitudinal study conducted by the authors.

Published: June 2001

Policy Research Brief: "No Right is More Precious" - Voting Rights and People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

A brief reviewing U.S. laws that impact, and present barriers to, the exercise of voting rights by persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Published: May 2000

Policy Research Brief: Behavioral Outcomes of Deinstitutionalization for People with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities - Third Decennial Review of U.S. Studies, 1977-2010

A brief reviewing U.S. studies that have measured behavioral outcomes associated with the movement of people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities from institutions to community …

Published: April 2011

Find, Choose and Keep Great DSPs

A pair of easy-to-use toolkits helping families and people with disabilities find quality, caring, and committed Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). There are two different versions of the tookit …

Published: 2006

Impact of Two National Congregational Programs on the Social Inclusion of Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities

A report summarizing a study of two national congregational efforts for inclusion of people with intellectual/developmental disabilities: Accessible Congregations Campaign and Befrienders Ministry.

Published: 2011

FAST Family Support Survey [2010]: National Results

A report summarizing the results of the FAST Family Support Survey, a 2010 national Internet survey of 2,416 parents or relatives of children and youth ages 11 years to 39 years with disabilities …

Published: 2011

Impact: Feature Issue on Supporting the Social Well-Being of Children and Youth with Disabilities

A newsletter issue presenting practical and insightful articles about supporting the social well-being of children and youth with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities in the settings …

Published: Spring/Summer 2011

Policy Research Brief: A National Review of Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

A brief reporting findings of a study that gathered data in 2009-2010 about how people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are being served across states in Home and Community Based Services ( …

Published: December 2011

Impact: Feature Issue on Supporting New Career Paths for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

A newsletter issue exploring employment of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their changing role in the American workforce. Historically, people with disabilities have …

Published: Winter/Spring 2012

Community Members' Perspectives on Inclusion: Membership of Persons with Developmental Disabilities in Community Organizations

A report covering a study about the degree of membership of people with intellectual/developmental disabilities in community organizations, and community members' perceptions of such inclusion. …

Published: 2012

Partnerships for Success - Curricula for Supervisors, Managers, and Administrative Staff: The Peer Empowerment Program (PEP): A Complete Toolkit for Planning and Implementing Mentoring Programs Within Community-Based Human Services Organizations

A planning guide and curriculum for supervisors and agency staff focusing on socialization and skill development for all employees. Includes Program Coordinator Guide, Facilitator Guide, and …

Published: 2001

Policy Research Brief: A Review of Commonly-Used State Employment Measures in Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services

A brief summarizing publicly-available data sources that provide information about the employment of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It provides important information …

Published: December 2012

Policy Research Brief: A Taxonomy for Postsecondary Education Programs for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

A brief examining postsecondary education for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, which is on the cusp of major growth thanks to recent federal policy and grant initiatives. …

Published: February 2013

Impact: Feature Issue on Educating K-12 English Language Learners with Disabilities

A newsletter issue examining the education of English language learners with disabilities, who are a growing part of the K-12 school population in the U.S. The available knowledge on how to …

Published: Winter/Spring 2013

Frontline Initiative: Autism Spectrum Disorder

A newsletter issue for Direct Support Professionals offering various perspectives on effectively supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Published: 2013

Frontline Initiative: Later Life Supports

A newsletter issue for Direct Support Professionals providing a variety of perspectives related to effectively supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in later …

Published: 2012

Frontline Initiative: Healthcare

A newsletter issue for Direct Support Professionals approaching healthcare from multiple perspectives; it also provides useful information that is needed to support people with disabilities in …

Published: 2012

Frontline Initiative: Code of Ethics

A newsletter issue explaining how the NADSP Code of Ethics, adopted in 2001, guides Direct Support Professionals through ethical dilemmas at work.

Published: 2012

Frontline Initiative: Working with Families

A newsletter issue for Direct Support Professionals offering various perspectives on effectively working with families of the individuals they support - most of whom live with a family member.

Published: 2011

Frontline Initiative: DSPs and Technology

A newsletter issue encouraging Direct Support Professionals to think about how to use technology to more effectively support individuals with disabilities.

Published: 2011

Frontline Initiative: Employment Supports

A newsletter issue highlighting the roles Direct Support Professionals play in supporting people with disabilities to find and keep satisfying employment.

Published: 2010

Frontline Initiative: State Chapter Development

A newsletter issue explaining how Direct Support Professionals can benefit from their NADSP state chapter - and how they can start their own.

Published: 2009

Frontline Initiative: Spirituality

A newsletter issue for Direct Support Professionals offering various perspectives on spirituality within the framework of NADSP's Code of Ethics and providing training materials to more effectively…

Published: 2009

Frontline Initiative: DSP Recognition

A newsletter issue highlighting the recognition of the work of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), including examples of ways in which agencies recognize DSPs, the role of credentialing in …

Published: 2008

Frontline Initiative: Credentialing

A newsletter issue explaining how credentialing Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) can heighten professionalism among DSPs and improve public perceptions of their work.

Published: 2007

Frontline Initiative: Workforce Development

A newsletter issue containing examples of efforts across the country to help community human service agencies, individuals, and family employers find, train, and keep high quality DSPs (also known …

Published: 2006

Frontline Initiative: DSP Perspectives

A newsletter issue for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) offering various DSP perspectives on effectively supporting individuals with disabilities.

Published: 2006

Frontline Initiative: Supporting and Networking with Families

A newsletter issue for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) focusing on how they can effectively work closely with families in order to create the highest quality of life possible for people with …

Published: 2005

Frontline Initiative: Aging

A newsletter issue for Direct Support Professionals offering various perspectives on effectively supporting individuals with disabilities who are getting older.

Published: 2004

Frontline Initiative: Documentation

A newsletter issue addressing the documentation process for Direct Support Professionals, including writing daily notes about how they are supporting an individual with disabilities, charting …

Published: 2004

Frontline Initiative: Coping with Disaster

A newsletter issue for Direct Support Professionals offering various perspectives on effectively supporting individuals with disabilities as they cope with disaster and its aftermath.

Published: 2003

Frontline Initiative: Legislative Advocacy

A newsletter issue for Direct Support Professionals offering various perspectives on effectively supporting individuals with disabilities by advocating for them and their issues through the …

Published: 2002

Frontline Initiative: Changing Roles

A newsletter issue for Direct Support Professionals offering various perspectives on effectively supporting individuals with disabilities as they move into their communities, gain control of their …

Published: 2002

Frontline Initiative: Ethics

A newsletter issue for Direct Support Professionals offering various perspectives on effectively - and ethically - supporting individuals with disabilities.

Published: 2001

Frontline Initiative: Teamwork

A newsletter issue for Direct Support Professionals offering various perspectives on effectively supporting individuals with disabilities through teamwork by interacting with their co-workers, …

Published: 2001

Frontline Initiative: Credentialing

A newsletter issue for Direct Support Professionals offering various perspectives on effectively supporting individuals with disabilities by gaining the credentials to do so.

Published: Spring 2000

Frontline Initiative: Diversity

A newsletter issue for Direct Support Professionals offering various perspectives on effectively supporting diverse individuals with disabilities.

Published: Winter 2000

Frontline Initiative: Tribute to John F. Kennedy, Jr.

A newsletter issue for Direct Support Professionals offering a tribute to John F. Kennedy, Jr. (1960-1999), a great advocate for individuals with disabilities.

Published: Fall 1999

Frontline Initiative: Complex Needs

A newsletter issue for Direct Support Professionals offering various perspectives on effectively supporting individuals with disabilities with complex needs.

Published: Summer 1999

Frontline Initiative: Self-Determination

A newsletter issue for Direct Support Professionals offering various perspectives on effectively supporting individuals with disabilities as they decide for themselves how to spend their lives.

Published: Spring 1999

Frontline Initiative: International Issue

A newsletter issue for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) showing how DSPs in other countries effectively support individuals with disabilities.

Published: Winter 1999

Frontline Initiative: Professionalism

A newsletter issue for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) offering various perspectives on effectively supporting individuals with disabilities by becoming more professional in their work habits …

Published: Fall 1998

Frontline Initiative: Stress and Burnout

A newsletter issue for Direct Support Professionals showing how they can cope with stress while still effectively supporting individuals with disabilities.

Published: Summer 1998

Frontline Initiative: Communication

A newsletter issue for Direct Support Professionals offering various perspectives on effectively supporting individuals with disabilities by communicating better with them.

Published: Spring 1998

Frontline Initiative: Change

A newsletter issue for Direct Support Professionals offering various perspectives on effectively supporting individuals with disabilities as they cope with change.

Published: Winter 1998

Frontline Initiative: Training

A newsletter issue for Direct Support Professionals showing how training can help them more effectively support individuals with disabilities.

Published: Spring 1997

Frontline Initiative: Relationships

A newsletter issue for Direct Support Professionals showing how building relationships can help them more effectively support individuals with disabilities.

Published: Winter 1997

Frontline Initiative: Premier Issue

A newsletter issue for Direct Support Professionals offering various perspectives on effectively supporting individuals through this and future issues of the series.

Published: Fall 1996

National Frontline Supervisor Competencies

A nationally validated set of 11 competency areas, known as the National Frontline Supervisor Competencies, guiding the work of frontline supervisors in the direct support workforce.

Published: April 2013

Frontline Supervisor Structured Behavioral Interview Questions

A set of behavioral and situational interview questions gauging the knowledge of external frontline supervisor candidates about the 11 competencies identified in the National Frontline Supervisor …

Published: April 2013

Frontline Supervisor Assessment

A test helping frontline supervisors and frontline supervisor candidates to evaluate their current performance level and create a self-development plan. Known as the Frontline Supervisor Assessment…

Published: April 2013

State of the Science: Theories, Concepts, and Evidence Guiding Policy and Practice in Community Living and Participation for People with Intellectual Disabilities

A set of online video presentations from the July 2012 conference, State of the Science: Outcomes for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Experts in …

Published: 2013

Self-Advocacy Online

A multimedia resource providing information important to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities that is accessible to all. The content is translated into understandable language …

Published: 2012-Present

An Independent Assessment of the Region 10 Quality Assurance Commission Voice Review Program

A report on the VOICE program, a person-centered quality assurance system that emphasizes self-determination created by the Region 10 Quality Assurance Commission in Southeast Minnesota.

Published: 2008

Frontline Initiative: Dual Diagnosis

A newsletter issue for Direct Support Professionals offering various perspectives related to providing effective supports for individuals with "dual diagnoses," meaning people with intellectual or …

Published: July 2013

Direct Support: A Realistic Job Preview (ANCOR/RTC)

A video illustrating the real, everyday work of direct support professionals (DSPs) in the field of developmental disabilities. This job preview is a DSP recruitment strategy designed to give …

Published: 2017

A Report on Early Intervention Services for Minnesota's Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

A report summarizing the activities and findings of a project funded by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), and conducted by the University of Minnesota's Research and Training Center...

Published: 2012

FINDS [2010] National Survey

A report covering the national Internet survey that The Arc of the United States conducted in 2010 that aimed to capture the perspectives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities …

Published: 2011

Frontline Initiative: DSP Recognition

A newsletter issue for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) recognizing their accomplishments and telling their career stories about supporting people with disabilities. A critical part of recognizi…

Published: September 2013

Friends: Connecting People with Disabilities and Community Members

A manual providing concrete, "how-to" strategies for supporting relationships between people with disabilities and other community members. It describes why such friendships are important to …

Published: 2013

Staff Recruitment, Retention, & Training Strategies for Community Human Services Organizations

A 15-chapter textbook and how-to-guide helping organizations to select and implement strategies that address the challenges of recruiting, retaining, and training direct support professionals.Published: 2012

Assessing Retention Outcomes

A document and form helping Direct Support managers to determine their staff turnover and vacancy rates. This, in turn, allows them to choose retention strategies, identify reasons for agency …

Published: 2000

Workforce Status and Outcomes

An instrument helping Direct Support agency managers to determine the success of their recruitment and retention efforts.

Published: 2000

Policy Research Brief: Employment First Across the Nation: Progress on the Policy Front

A brief presenting Employment First across the nation through an array of online, interactive visual features that allow users to investigate the various Employment First policy approaches that...

Published: March 2014

Waa Maxey Autism (What is Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder?)

A video covering facts about ASD, including signs and symptoms and behavior challenges. The video is narrated in the Somali language and closed captioned in English.

Published: 2013

Helitaanka Xanaada (Current treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorder)

A video presenting a Somali parent discussing current treatments and interventions for individual with ASD. The video is narrated in the Somali language and closed captioned in English.

Published: 2013

Aragtida Waalidka (Parents' Views)

A video presenting a Somali parent sharing her experiences and knowledge to help connect other parents with resources on autism. The video is narrated in the Somali language and closed captioned in...

Published: 2013

Impact: Feature Issue on Stories of Advocacy, Stories of Change from People with Disabilities, Their Families, and Allies (1988-2013)

A newsletter issue featuring then-and-now personal stories from individuals with disabilities, their families, and allies that provide a snapshot of how the disability rights movement has touched …

Published: 2014

Frontline Initiative: Social Capital

A newsletter issue for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) exploring the importance of social capital in the lives of the people they support. Social capital is the value a person gets from …

Published: May 2014

Policy Research Brief: Residential Setting and Individual Outcomes: An Assessment of Existing National Core Indicators Research

A brief providing states with information to help their new policy and service developments comply with regulatory criteria that the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services specified in March …

Published: July 2014

Active Support: People Fully Engaged in Life

A DVD providing an overview of Active Support -- how it is implemented and the kind of training involved to make it successful. Active Support is an organizational intervention that enables Direct...

Published: 2014

Supporting Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and their Families: Status and Trends Through 2012

A technical report describing results from a survey of state intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) agencies for FY 2012 on the status and trends of long-term supports and services for …

Published: 2014

Policy Research Brief: Understanding Community Poverty, Housing, and Disability

A brief aiming to provide policy makers, advocates, and researchers a tool to better understand the pervasiveness of poverty affecting people with disabilities, both locally and across the nation. …

Published: October 2014

Policy Research Brief: Employment for People with Disabilities in Poverty: A Need for National Attention

A brief investigating poverty and disability. The second in a series, the purpose of this brief is to provide an in-depth national and state understanding about poverty and disability by...

Published: February 2015

Impact: Feature Issue on the ADA and People with Intellectual, Developmental, and Other Disabilities

A newsletter issue marking the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In this Impact are articles by individuals with disabilities, families, advocates, service providers...

Published: Winter 2015

Services for People with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities in the U.S. Territories

A report describing services and supports available to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in five U.S. Territories (American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas…

Published: May 2015

Policy Research Brief: The U.N. Convention on The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD): A Status Report

A brief reviewing which countries have signed and/or ratified the United Nations (U.N.) Convention on The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). About 10% of the world's population lives with …

Published: 2015

Of the Community: Eight Stories of Community Living, Participation, and Inclusion

A film telling the stories of eight individuals with disabilities who have vibrant lives in which they live and participate in their communities in the ways they choose. Their stories illustrate...

Published: 2015

Policy Research Brief: Postsecondary Education for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities - A Critical Review of the State of Knowledge and a Taxonomy to Guide Future Research

A brief reviewing the state of knowledge and research practice in the emerging field of postsecondary education for students with intellectual and other learning-related developmental disabilities …

Published: February 2011

Impact: Feature Issue on Self-Determination and Supported Decision-Making for People with Intellectual, Developmental, and Other Disabilities

An issue in the Impact series that looks at how people with disabilities are exercising and experiencing self-determination in the U.S. and other countries today, and at the emergence of Supported …

Published: Fall 2019

Impact: Feature Issue on Transition in a Global Context for People with Intellectual, Developmental, and Other Disabilities

This issue in the Impact series focuses on transition in a global context. Preparing for life after high school—whether that means college, work, or simply living in the community—varies greatly …

Published: Fall 2022

Policy Research Brief: Family Support Services in the United States: 2008

A brief providing a state-by-state summary of services supporting individuals with disabilities living in the family home. Data presented are based on the State of the States in Developmental …

Published: May 2009

Policy Research Brief: Implementation of Consumer-Directed Services for Persons With Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities - A National Study

A brief summarizing the results of a national study on the status of consumer-directed services for persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The study was conducted at the Universit…

Published: January 2009

Policy Research Brief: Innovative Models and Best Practices in Case Management and Support Coordination

A brief describing models, innovations, and best practices in case management and support coordination for persons with disabilities. The approaches presented were identified during a study …

Published: April 2008

Frontline Initiative: Trauma-Informed Care

A newsletter issue for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) exploring trauma-informed care. This issue of Frontline Initiative provides background information on trauma-informed care and offers...

Published: 2015

Policy Research Brief: A Qualitative Study of the Experiences of Transition-Age Youth with Disabilities in Relation to SSI Redetermination

A brief presenting selected findings from a study and literature review describing the experiences of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients and nonrecipients and their families in relation …

Published: July 2007

Impact: Feature Issue on Supporting Wellness for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

A newsletter issue on supporting wellness for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Wellness is a rapidly growing area of focus for people across the U.S. The popularity of …

Published: Winter 2016

Policy Research Brief: The Inclusion of Disability as Grounds for Termination of Parental Rights in State Codes

A brief examining state policies regarding termination of parental rights, focusing on the extent to which states use disability status as grounds for termination.

Published: October 2006

National Goals in Research, Policy, and Practice: Justice for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

A pair of videos and an accompanying brief outlining how people with intellectual and developmental disabilities face significant barriers in the criminal justice system, despite laws meant to …

Published: 2016

National Goals in Research, Policy, and Practice: Self-determination and Self-advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

A pair of videos and an accompanying brief outlining the value of self-determination and self-advocacy among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A researcher and a self- …

Published: 2016

Policy Research Brief: Family Support Service in the United States

A brief providing an overview of family support services in the states based on data gathered for the State of the States in Developmental Disabilities Project, a longitudinal study of public …

Published: February 2006

National Goals in Research, Policy, and Practice: Employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

A pair of videos and an accompanying brief outlining employment in the general workforce and economic self-sufficiency for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A researcher and …

Published: 2016

National Goals in Research, Policy, and Practice: Aging, Retirement, and End of Life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

A pair of videos and an accompanying brief outlining aging issues and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A researcher and a self-advocate both provide short presentations.

Published: 2016

National Goals in Research, Policy, and Practice: Workforce for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

A pair of videos and an accompanying brief outlining the need for a better match between the growing demand for a...

Published: 2016

National Goals in Research, Policy, and Practice: Long-term supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

A video and an accompanying brief outlining long-term supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A researcher provides a short presentation.

Published: 2016

National Goals in Research, Policy, and Practice: Social Inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

A pair of videos and an accompanying brief outlining social Inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A researcher and a self-advocate both provide short presentations …

Published: 2016

Policy Research Brief: Status of Institutional Closure Efforts in 2005

A brief examining and summarizing the research and policy issues that state policymakers may face as they consider whether to increase, reduce, or close institutions in their own states.

Published: September 2005

National Goals in Research, Policy, and Practice: Health and Wellness for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

A video and an accompanying brief outlining health and Wellness for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A researcher provides a short presentation.

Published: 2016

National Goals in Research, Policy, and Practice: Supports for Families for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

A pair of videos and an accompanying brief outlining supports for families of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A researcher and a self-advocate both provide short presentati…

Published: 2016

National Goals in Research, Policy, and Practice: Education for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

A pair of videos and an accompanying brief outlining education for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A researcher and a self-advocate both provide short presentations.

Published: 2016

Make Work a Part of the Plan Videos and Webinars: I Choose Employment (#1)

A video designed to raise expectations for full workforce participation - that work can be a reality for anyone. The target audiences are self-advocates and families.

Published: 2016

Policy Research Brief: Costs and Outcomes of Community Services for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

A brief reviewing available research on the costs and outcomes of community service provision for people with intellectual disabilities (or "mental retardation") and developmental disabilities, …

Published: May 2004

Make Work a Part of the Plan Videos and Webinars: Employment Policy: How Does That Work? (#2)

A video following a question-and-answer format, in plain and simple language from self-advocates and policy staff about changes in employment policy and services. The target audiences are...

Published: 2016

Make Work a Part of the Plan Videos and Webinars: Using the Language of Raised Expectations (#3)

A video emphasizing the power of words, especially when they relate to how employment is defined, addressed, and communicated. The target audiences are self-advocates, parents, educators,...

Published: 2016

Make Work a Part of the Plan Videos and Webinars: Work is Worth the Risk: Balancing Opportunity and Safety (#4)

A video acknowledging that balancing health and safety with successful employment activities is not always easy. Incorporating accommodations and customizing work tasks and settings is critical in...

Published: 2016

Valuing Lives: Wolf Wolfensberger and the Principle of Normalization

A film documenting the social paradigm shift triggered by Wolf Wolfensberger, a professor and change agent who, in the early 1970s, popularized and expanded the principle of normalization of people...

Published: 2016

Policy Research Brief: Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services - The First 20 Years

A brief reviewing the implementation of the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services "waiver" program during its first 20 years, from Fiscal Year 1982 through Fiscal Year 2002. The review …

Published: September 2003

Policy Research Brief: Wages of Direct Support Professionals Serving Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities - A Survey of State Agencies and Private Residential Provider Trade Associations

A brief summarizing the results of a survey of state agencies administering services for persons with intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) and state-level residential …

Published: March 2003

Through Asking the Right Questions... You Can Reach Your Destination

A pocket guide containing questions for families and persons with disabilities to ask as they interview residential service providers and decide which are best suited to meet their support needs.

Published: 1999

Policy Research Brief: Alternative Schools and the Students They Serve - Perceptions of State Directors of Special Education

A brief reporting on findings from interviews conducted with 49 state directors of special education (or their designees). Recent data collected from a national survey estimates that about 12% of …

Published: January 2003

Policy Research Brief: Health Status, Health Care Utilization Patterns, and Health Care Outcomes of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities - A Review of the Literature

A brief reviewing the current literature in the area of health care needs of people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and allied medical conditions, looking at the degree to …

Published: September 2002

Policy Research Brief: Behavioral Outcomes of Deinstitutionalization for People with Intellectual Disabilities - A Review of Studies Conducted Between 1980 and 1999

A brief reporting the results from a review of 38 published studies that measured behavioral outcomes associated with the movement of people with mental retardation from public institutions to …

Published: October 1999

Twin Cities and Zambia Disability Connection - Final Report

A report providing an overview of the Twin Cities and Zambia Disability Connection, outlining the project's preliminary outcomes, and identifying ongoing needs for individuals with disabilities in …

Published: 2009

Agency Factors and Structures Which Increase Successful Outcomes in Community Participation and Socially Valued Roles

A report documenting the results of a five-year project with Lutheran Social Services in Minnesota to impact the social relationships which individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities …

Published: 2010

Impact: Feature Issue on Person-Centered Positive Supports and People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

An issue in the newly-redesigned Impact series that shares articles from around the country describing how person-centered positive supports use evidence-based practices in the service of the …

Published: Summer 2016

Make Work a Part of the Plan Videos and Webinars: Building Informal and Natural Supports for Community Living and Employment (#5)

A video looking outside the "system" to leverage friends, family, and community members to build natural supports. The target audiences are individuals, families, provider agency managers, job …

Published: 2016

Make Work a Part of the Plan Videos and Webinars: The Power of Positive Introductions: Connecting with Employers Using Person Centered Thinking Tools (#6)

A video using the tools of Person Centered Thinking to introduce the organization and job seekers. The target audiences are employment consultants and specialists, job coaches, provider agency...

Published: 2016

Make Work a Part of the Plan Videos and Webinars: Organizational Investment in Job Development: Making the Business Connection (#7)

A video moving beyond want ads and incorporating best practices in job development. The target audiences are employment consultants and specialists, job coaches, provider agency managers, county …

Published: 2016

Make Work a Part of the Plan Videos and Webinars: Using Data to Understand and Plan for Employment Outcomes (#8)

A video using data to evaluate program outcomes. The target audiences are provider agency managers and directors, county case managers, employment consultants or specialists, and job developers.

Published: 2016

Make Work a Part of the Plan Videos and Webinars: System Transformation One Person at a Time: Moving Towards Models of Community Based Employment (#9)

A video showing how to start the conversation about employment coming from the presumption of employability. The presenters are from the State of Minnesota and Dakota County. The target audiences …

Published: 2016

Policy Research Brief: The Employment Impacts of Being a Family Caregiver

Family members play essential roles in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including providing medical, emotional, financial, and day-to-day support. Family …

Published: September 2023

Final Report: National Training Institute for Frontline Supervisors

A report describing a project that refined, tested, and delivered a "Train-the-Trainer" model to the National Training Institute for Frontline Supervisors. The project also provided a distributed...

Published: 2007

Make Work a Part of the Plan Videos and Webinars: A Working Life: Opportunities and Challenges (#10)

A video exploring how employment paves a pathway to community living, engagement, and independence. The target audiences are individuals, families, managers, direct support professionals, and …

Published: 2016

Make Work a Part of the Plan Fact Sheets: Choosing Community-Based Employment

A fact sheet presenting the basic ideas, next steps, and resources useful for people with disabilities who choose community-based employment.

Published: 2016

Make Work a Part of the Plan Fact Sheets: Use Your "Network" in Your Job Search

A fact sheet presenting the basic ideas, next steps, and resources useful for people with disabilities who want to use networking in their job search.

Published: 2016

Make Work a Part of the Plan Fact Sheets: Be a "Positive" Job Seeker

A fact sheet presenting the basic ideas, next steps, and resources useful for people with disabilities who aim to be a "positive" job seeker.

Published: 2016

Make Work a Part of the Plan Fact Sheets: Everyone has "Supports" at Work

A fact sheet presenting the basic ideas, next steps, and resources useful for people with disabilities who want to find support at work to help them succeed on the job.

Published: 2016

National Validation Study of Competencies For Frontline Supervisors and Direct Support Professionals

A report examining organizational workforce outcomes; characteristics of and differences between managers, Frontline Supervisors (FLS) and Direct Support Professionals (DSPs); and workplace...

Published: 2007

RTC Media YouTube channel

A YouTube channel containing documentary films, educational and training video programs, organizational profiles, and interviews, all developed through the Research and Training Center on Community…

Published: 2012

Minnesota Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Program (MNLEND) Website

A website presenting the program's training for future leaders who will serve children with neurodevelopmental and related disabilities and their families in health care, education, human services,...

Published: 2011

You Know That it's Got to be Dedication That I am Still Here: The Experiences of Direct Support Professionals During Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and Aftermath

A report describing the experiences of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who worked in New Orleans between August 2005 and May 2006 - before, during, and after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. In …

Published: 2007

Research and Training Center on Community Living (RTC-CL) Website

A website presenting the Research and Training Center on Community Living (RTC-CL), a center that conducts a wide range of research, training, and technical assistance and dissemination projects...

Published: 2014

Higher Ground: The Dedication of Direct Support Professionals During and After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (Brief)

A brief summarizing the report, You Know that it's Got to be Dedication that I am Still Here: The Experiences of Direct Support Professionals During Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and the Aftermath …

Published: 2007

Frontline Initiative: Person-Centered Practices

A newsletter issue for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) exploring person-centered practices. This issue of Frontline Initiative brought together voices on what has been happening in this work …

Published: 2017

In-Home and Residential Long-Term Supports and Services for Persons with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities: Status and Trends through 2014

A report describing the status of, and trends in, long-term supports and services for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities in the U.S. on June 30, 2014. It is based on an annual …

Published: 2017

Higher Ground: The Dedication of Direct Support Professionals During and After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (film)

A documentary film telling the stories of some of the heroic Direct Support Professionals from New Orleans who, despite long hours, low pay, and tremendous stress and trauma, continued to provide...

Published: 2007

Impact: Feature Issue on the Justice System and People with Intellectual, Developmental, and Other Disabilities

An issue in the Impact series that discusses unique and serious challenges people with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities often face with the juvenile and criminal justice systems.

Published: Spring 2017

Policy Research Brief: State of the States in Self-Direction for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (2015)

A brief describing how self-directed long-term services and supports (LTSS) are currently implemented in the United States. Self-direction provides individuals with intellectual and/or...

Published: 2017

Partnerships in Wellness

A health promotion curriculum that addresses the unique learning needs of adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) who require ongoing daily supports, have limited readings...

Published: 2017

Frontline Initiative: Choice, Direction, and Control

A newsletter issue for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) encouraging the people they support to exercise choice, direction, and control over their lives. DSPs also support people who have …

Published: 2017

In-Home and Residential Long-Term Supports and Services for Persons with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities: Status and Trends Through 2015

A report describing the status of, and trends in, long-term supports and services for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities in the U.S. on June 30, 2015. It is based on an annual...

Published: 2017

Frontline Initiative Webinar: NADSP Looks Deeper: Choice, Direction, and Control

A companion webinar to the Frontline Initiative issue titled, "Choice, Direction, and Control" PDF. Host John Raffaele, Director of...

Published: 2018

Policy Research Brief: Developments in Living Arrangements and Choice for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

A brief examining how living arrangements and choice have changed for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) over the past 10 years. Choice is an important component of self …

Published: 2018

The Use of TYZE.com to Enhance Social Inclusion for Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities

A report evaluating the use of the TYZE.com website by families who had teens and young adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities. TYZE.com was evaluated for its usefulness in connecting …

Published: 2018

Family & Individual Needs for Disability Support (FINDS) Community Report 2017

A report presenting the results of the Family & Individual Needs for Disability Supports (FINDS) survey, launched in 2017 by ICI's Research and Training Center on Community Living in collaboration …

Published: 2018

Policy Research Brief: Employment First: An Update on National Progress

A brief providing a progress update on the Employment First field. Employment First identifies employment as the preferred outcome for people with disabilities and encourages those supporting …

Published: 2018

Impact: Feature Issue on the Direct Support Workforce and People with Intellectual, Developmental, and Other Disabilities

An issue in the Impact series that discusses the Direct Support workforce and people with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities. In the past 40 years, the U.S. has experienced a...

Published: Winter/Spring 2018

Family and Individual Needs for Disability Supports Community Report 2023

The Family and Individual Needs for Disability Supports survey (FINDS) surveys family members of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities about their experiences providing supports …

Published: 2023

Long-term Supports and Services for Persons with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities: Status and Trends Through 2019

Ever wonder how many people in the United States have intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD), how many of them get publicly funded supports from state IDD agencies, or where people …

Published: 2022

Policy Research Brief: Adults with IDD are Given More Medications than the Rest of the Population

The term polypharmacy refers to taking five or more medicines. Each state might define polypharmacy in different ways, including how many medicines a person must be taking to be considered overmedi…

Published: September 2023

Policy Forum: Wage Compression Among Direct Support Professionals

This Policy Forum discusses the recent Policy Research Brief titled, " Wage Compression among Direct Support Professionals. " Wednesday, January 26, 2022 Discussants: Michelle Murphy, The Arc Mid- …

Published: 1/26/2022

Research and Training Center on Community Living: Summaries of Research Studies 2018-2023

The Research and Training Center on Community Living and Participation for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (RTC-CL) at the University of Minnesota has engaged in research, …

Published: 2023

Impact: Feature Issue on Inclusive Higher Education for People with Intellectual, Developmental, and Other Disabilities

This issue in the Impact series focuses on inclusive higher education. The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 appropriated federal funds that supported model demonstration projects to create …

Published: Spring 2022

Impact: Feature Issue on Crisis Management for People with Intellectual, Developmental, and Other Disabilities

An issue in the Impact series that looks at crisis management for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, following a year of global pandemic, natural disasters, and social unrest …

Published: Spring 2021

Impact: Feature Issue on Engaging Communities Underrepresented in Disability Research

What, exactly, is cultural competence in a research context? How do people with disabilities from historically marginalized communities learn about job opportunities and how can we get information …

Published: Winter 2022-23

Frontline Initiative: Direct Support Professionals Supporting People’s Employment

This issue is on direct support professionals (DSPs) supporting people’s employment. Many people with disabilities experience barriers in getting the job they want. This can be discouraging. This …

Published: Winter 2022

Policy Forum: Overrepresentation of People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Moving Between Large State-run Institutions and the Criminal Legal System

This Policy Forum from February 14, 2023 discussed the Policy Research Brief titled, Overrepresentation of People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Moving Between Large State-run …

Published: 2/14/2023

Policy Research Brief: Overrepresentation of People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Moving Between Large State-run Institutions and the Criminal Legal System

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are overrepresented in the criminal legal system. Further, many people with IDD move between large state-run institutions and the …Published: January 2023

Transition to Retirement: A Guide to Inclusive Practice: Adaptations for the Current U.S. Context

The Transition to Retirement (TTR) book/eBook and video (Stancliffe et al., 2013; hereafter the TTR manual ) is an evidence-based Australian manual describing how to successfully implement the TTR …

Published: September 2023

Impact: 35th Anniversary Edition

Impact celebrates 35 years as a research-to-practice guide for the field of intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities. This issue in the Impact series features Amy Hewitt, director of …

Published: Spring 2023

Impact: Feature Issue on Inclusive Education for K-8 Students with the Most Significant Cognitive Disabilities

An issue in the Impact series that examines K-8 inclusive education. Historically, students with the most significant cognitive disabilities were often taught only functional skills in our K-12 …

Published: Winter 2018-19

Frontline Initiative: DSPs Respond to Crisis

Direct support professionals (DSPs) have been through a lot this past year. Through a global pandemic, natural disasters, social unrest, and personal distress, they’ve stepped up as they always do …

Published: 2021

Policy Forum: Are Large Institutions for People with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities a Thing of the Past?

This Policy Forum from June 23, 2022 discusses the recent Policy Research Brief titled, Are Large Institutions for People with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities a Thing of the Past? …

Published: 6/23/2022

Frontline Initiative: Making a Career in Direct Support

This issue of Frontline Initiative is about making a career in direct support. Direct support professionals (DSPs) report on why and how they have accomplished this. People supported and their …

Published: 9/21/2020

Impact: Feature Issue on Careers in The Arts for People with Intellectual, Developmental, and Other Disabilities

An issue in the Impact series exploring careers in the arts for people with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities. Authors review the history of art centers and their changing future …

Published: Summer 2021

Impact: Feature Issue on Siblings of People with Intellectual, Developmental, and Other Disabilities

An issue in the Impact series that focuses on the brothers and sisters of children, teens, and adults with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities (IDD) – what we know about them, …

Published: Spring 2020

Policy Research Brief: Representation of Direct Support Workers in Popular Media

Mainstream media does not use consistent language to talk about the role of direct support workers. This inconsistency makes it difficult to communicate the value and complexity of the direct …

Published: September 2023

New York Direct Support Professional (DSP) Credentialing Program Implementation Study

A report describing a study that aimed to gauge the workforce development issues for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in the state of New York through multi-method analysis. The 2014 New York...

Published: 2015

Long-term supports and services for persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities: Status and trends through 2018

Ever wonder how many people in the United States have intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD), how many of them get publicly-funded supports from state IDD agencies, or where people …

Published: 2021

Policy Forum: The Direct Support Workforce and COVID-19: Work Life and Wage Augmentation

This Policy Forum addresses work life and wage augmentation in the direct support workforce, revealed in a survey of approximately 9,000 DSPs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Published: 8/17/2021

Policy Forum: Most People with IDD Getting Long-term Supports Live with a Family Member

This Policy Forum from November 1, 2022 discusses the recent Policy Research Brief titled, Most People with IDD Getting Long-term Supports Live with a Family Member . Slides from the presentation …

Published: 11/1/2022

Impact: Feature Issue on Retirement and Aging for People with Intellectual, Developmental, and Other Disabilities

An issue in the Impact series exploring retirement, aging, and end-of-life decisions for people with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities. These considerations are becoming more...

Published: Fall 2021

Impact: Feature Issue on Self-Advocacy for People with Intellectual, Developmental, and Other Disabilities

An issue in the Impact series that looks at the Self-Advocacy Movement today, at its history and its shared history with the Civil Rights Movement, how people with disabilities are lifting their …

Published: Fall 2020

Frontline Initiative: The Diverse Voices of DSPs

This issue explores diverse and lesser-heard voices among direct support professionals. Authors include DSPs who are autistic, Deaf, members of the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, and immigrants…

Published: 2022

Policy Research Brief: State IDD Agencies’ Views on Self-Directed Services

Self-direction allows people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to control most aspects of their home- and community-based services. Other names that states use for self- …

Published: September 2023

Invaluable: The Unrecognized Profession of Direct Support

“Invaluable: The Unrecognized Profession of Direct Support” is a documentary film exploring the underappreciated and underfunded work of direct support professionals (DSPs), the people who support …

Published: 2019

Policy Research Brief: Institutionalization Bias in Long-Term Services and Supports for People with IDD

Medicaid requires states to provide institutional services to eligible Medicaid recipients, but allows states to have waiting lists for recipients preferring home and community based services. …

Published: September 2023

Policy Forum: Institutional Bias in Long-Term Services and Supports for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

This Policy Forum from October 3, 2023 discussed the Policy Research Brief titled, Institutional Bias in Long-Term Services and Supports for People with IDD . Slides from the presentation are …

Published: 10/3/2023

Frontline Initiative: Supporting Healthy Relationships

This issue of Frontline Initiative focuses on developing awareness, knowledge, and skills for supporting healthy relationships. It also includes information about tools and resources that direct...

Published: 2020

Impact: Feature Issue on Sexuality and Gender Identity for People with Intellectual, Developmental, and Other Disabilities

This issue in the Impact series addresses current roadblocks preventing people with intellectual, development, and other disabilities from living self-determined lives when it comes to their …

Published: Fall 2023

New York State Workforce Credentialing Programs Comparative Analyses

These comparative analyses of existing organizational direct support professional and frontline supervisor credentialing programs summarize seven programs in New York. The goals of these programs …

Published: 2021

Policy Forum: Policy Forum: How Much Do Direct Support Professionals Make? Putting Wages In Context

Low wages are a major factor contributing to the direct support workforce crisis. This recording of the Policy Forum held on April 6, 2022 discusses the recent Policy Research Brief , which …

Published: 4/12/2022

Frontline Initiative: DSPs Supporting People's Health and Wellness

The pandemic brought direct support professionals’ role of supporting peoples’ health and wellness to the forefront. DSPs had to slow down, take more precautions, and learn new ways to maintain …

Published: Summer 2023

Policy Forum: The Direct Support Workforce and COVID-19: Low Wages and Racial Disparities

This Policy Forum addresses low wages and racial disparities in the direct support workforce, revealed in a survey of approximately 9,000 DSPs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Published: 6/17/2021

Policy Forum: Predictors of Annual Turnover Among Direct Support Professionals

This Policy Forum addresses predictors of annual turnover among direct support professionals, using data from the National Core Indicators (NCI) Staff Stability Survey.

Published: 10/07/2021

In-home and residential long-term supports and services for persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities: Status and trends through 2017

Ever wonder how many people in the United States have IDD or what proportion of them received federal- or state-funded supports? The 2020 report from the Residential Information Systems Project …

Published: 2020

Topics

  • Direct support workforce
    • Supervision and mentoring
    • Retention and recruitment
    • Workforce development strategies
    • Training
  • Community life
    • Community supports and services
    • Faith communities
    • Friendships and social relationships
    • Person-centered planning and practices
    • Quality outcomes
    • Recreation and leisure
    • Self-advocacy and self-determination
    • Social inclusion
  • Specific life stage
    • Adolescents and young adults
    • Adults
    • Seniors
  • Housing and residential services
    • Community group residential
    • Consumer/self-directed services
    • Housing access
    • Institutions and deinstitutionalization
  • Employment and postsecondary education
    • Customized employment
    • Employment and workforce development
    • Supported employment
  • Health and safety
    • Health and wellness
    • Mental health supports

Activities

  • Research
  • Training and professional development
  • Technical assistance
  • Evaluation
  • Dissemination