Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities This is an RSS file. You can use it to subscribe to this data in your favourite RSS reader or to display this data on your own website or blog.

Development of Self‐Help, Language, and Academic Skills in Persons With Down Syndrome
Abstract Using visual analysis by means of scatterplots, correlational analysis, and linear regressions, the authors explored the skills of individuals with Down syndrome in the areas of self‐help, language, academics, and computer skills. By combining data of several Dutch studies, they obtained 1,252 different observations made by parents on 862 individuals, aged <1–35 years. Research shows advancement in language skills up to the age of 12, with plateauing afterward. In contrast, self‐help skills still increase in adolescence and young adulthood. Academics and computer skills improve up to the age of 14. Howeve...
Source: Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities - June 24, 2016 Category: Disability Authors: Gert de Graaf, Erik de Graaf Tags: Special Issue Article Source Type: research

An Early Literacy Program for Young Children with Down Syndrome: Changes Observed over One Year
Abstract Although much individual variability exists, most persons with Down syndrome (DS) experience marked expressive language delays and challenges with speech production, hearing, and verbal memory that may negatively affect literacy development. There is, however, a paucity of research with respect to early intervention literacy programs with this population. The authors describe an early intervention literacy program that used a hybrid approach to reading instruction combining whole‐word (i.e., visual) and analytic (i.e., phonic or sound‐based) reading strategies. They also detail the changes observed in the lite...
Source: Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities - June 24, 2016 Category: Disability Authors: Paola Colozzo, Leah McKeil, Jill M. Petersen, Amanda Szabo Tags: Special Issue Article Source Type: research

Understanding Maternal Support for Autonomy in Young Children with Down Syndrome
Abstract Prior research has highlighted the importance of supporting the autonomy of children with Down syndrome from early childhood. There is some evidence to suggest that mothers of children with Down syndrome are more directive than those whose children are developing typically. However, the factors that contribute to maternal autonomy supportive vs. directive behaviors are not well understood. The current study aimed to explore the value and importance that mothers place upon their child's autonomy, as well as the specific factors that influence the support they provide. Interviews were conducted with 14 mothers of yo...
Source: Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities - June 24, 2016 Category: Disability Authors: Linda Gilmore, Belinda Ryan, Monica Cuskelly, Susana Gavidia‐Payne Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Commentary
(Source: Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities)
Source: Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities - June 24, 2016 Category: Disability Authors: Roy I. Brown, Rhonda M. Faragher Tags: Invited Paper Source Type: research

Issue Information
(Source: Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities)
Source: Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities - June 24, 2016 Category: Disability Tags: Issue Information Source Type: research

Psychometric Properties of the Italian Adaptation of a Quality of Life Instrument as Applied to Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Abstract In the field of intellectual disability (ID) generic quality of life (G‐QoL) has been reported to be much more useful than health‐related QoL. Despite this, Italian‐language tools with validated assessment of G‐QoL in people with ID are lacking. The authors undertook a study to test the psychometric properties of the BASIQ, an Italian adaptation of the Quality of Life Instrument Package developed at the Centre for Health Promotion, University of Toronto, Canada, in the early 1990s. This instrument package integrates qualitative and quantitative measures and subjective and objective approaches in assessing ...
Source: Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities - June 17, 2016 Category: Disability Authors: Marco O. Bertelli, Annamaria Bianco, Micaela Piva Merli, Daniela Scuticchio, Stefano Lassi, Lorenzo Lorenzoni, Dominga Carbone Viviani, Ivan Brown Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Quality of Life Among Families of Children With Intellectual Disabilities: A Slovene Study
Abstract The main goal of the study was to provide and contrast data on quality of life for families in Slovenia that have children with intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities (IDD) and families that have children with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The sample comprised 25 families with children with IDD and 19 families with children with ASD selected from schools in several villages in Slovenia. The data were collected using the FQOLS‐2006. The data analysis exploring the relationship between the two study groups (IDD and ASD) using the six measurement dimensions (Import...
Source: Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities - May 31, 2016 Category: Disability Authors: Jan Schmidt, Majda Schmidt, Ivan Brown Tags: Original Manuscript Source Type: research

Quality of Life —Challenges to Research, Practice and Policy
Abstract Quality of life (QOL) has been developing in the field of IDD since the early 1980s, and ever since there have been research, models, and theoretical constructs along with many recommendations. Ignored in its early development, QOL is now seen as important for support and intervention. The research has resulted in new insights yet there remain many challenges, three of which are discussed in this article. (1) Much QOL research requires the acceptance of parent and allied commentary that is regarded as subjective and frequently carries less weight than objective evidence. This can raise questions across disciplines...
Source: Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities - May 31, 2016 Category: Disability Authors: Roy I. Brown Tags: Original Manuscript Source Type: research

Expressive Vocabulary Development in Children With Down Syndrome: A Longitudinal Study
Abstract Children with Down syndrome (DS) show a significant delay in their language development, in particular in expressive language. Although many studies have described the development of spoken language skills of children with DS, not many investigated the development of gestures and spoken words more in detail. The aim of this study was to describe the expressive vocabulary development of young children with DS with regard to the nature of vocabulary growth and modality (gesture‐ and/or verbal production). In addition, the association between cognitive development and vocabulary growth was examined. The study inclu...
Source: Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities - May 31, 2016 Category: Disability Authors: Danielle te Kaat ‐van den Os, Chiel Volman, Marian Jongmans, Peter Lauteslager Tags: Original Manuscript Source Type: research

The Evidence for Easy ‐Read for People With Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Literature Review
Abstract Producing accessible information for people with intellectual disabilities has been seen as a priority for the past 20 years. Easy‐read resources are now widely available and several guidelines have been produced to support their development. However, little is known about the effectiveness of easy‐read resources and the specific components that make it effective. A systematic review of the literature in electronic databases (Medline, Embase, BNI, CINAHL, HMIC, PsycINFO, ERIC, PubMed, and Cochrane Library) conducted between November 2013 and January 2014 yielded 11 publications that attempted to evaluate the i...
Source: Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities - May 31, 2016 Category: Disability Authors: Rebekah Joy Sutherland, Tom Isherwood Tags: Original Manuscript Source Type: research

Evaluating the Efficacy of a Special Education Advocacy Training Program
This study evaluated the efficacy of the Volunteer Advocacy Project (VAP), a 40‐h training workshop that has been delivered since 2008 to six cohorts live and via webcasts. The aim of the study was to determine whether the VAP increased the knowledge and advocacy skills of its trainees and how trainee and training characteristics related to the effectiveness of the training. This study examined changes from pretest to posttest knowledge and advocacy skills of 90 trainees of the VAP. We also examined interactions between pre/post change and trainee and training characteristics. Participants demonstrated significant gains ...
Source: Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities - May 31, 2016 Category: Disability Authors: Meghan M. Burke, Samantha E. Goldman, Melanie S. Hart, Robert M. Hodapp Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Comparing Generational Differences in Persons With Down Syndrome
Conclusion: This study suggests that differences observed between the generations are possible predictors of a healthier state and longer life expectancy for a younger generation of adults with DS. Only a longitudinal follow‐up can confirm these findings. (Source: Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities)
Source: Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities - May 31, 2016 Category: Disability Authors: Antonia Coppus Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Supporting Volunteering Activities by Adults With Intellectual Disabilities: An Explorative Qualitative Study
This study explores the challenges, opportunities, and support needs of such volunteers and develops a heuristic model to support volunteering by people with ID in Switzerland. Semistructured interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of six volunteers with ID. The analysis was based on reflexive grounded theory. Volunteering is one way in which people with ID can participate in society and receive recognition for their engagement. Basic needs, personal motivation, and social recognition are central for volunteers with ID. A heuristic model to support volunteering based on personal and social reasons of individual...
Source: Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities - May 31, 2016 Category: Disability Authors: Monika T. Wicki, Simon Meier Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Family Caregivers of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Experiences with Medicaid Managed Care Long ‐Term Services and Supports in the United States
This study's purpose is to illustrate the lived experience of receiving LTSS in a managed care model from the family caregiver perspective. In‐depth semi‐structured interviews were completed with 16 caregivers in four states with Medicaid managed LTSS (MLTSS). The themes include the importance of the family caregiver as supported and active partners in the provision of MLTSS, the family caregiver experiences with care coordination and access to services in MLTSS, and the family caregivers’ overall impression of MLTSS. Results indicate caregiver advocacy is critical to coordinating needed MLTSS and family support serv...
Source: Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities - May 31, 2016 Category: Disability Authors: Heather J. Williamson, Elizabeth A. Perkins, Annie Acosta, Maureen Fitzgerald, Jui Agrawal, Oliver T. Massey Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

The Effectiveness of a Parent Legislative Advocacy Program
This study has important implications about parent legislative advocacy for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. (Source: Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities)
Source: Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities - May 31, 2016 Category: Disability Authors: Meghan M. Burke, Linda Sandman Tags: Original Article Source Type: research