Model System:

TBI

Reference Type:

Journal

Accession No.:

J68662

Journal:


Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

, 27, 2, 154-162

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Article describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of a pilot staff intervention designed to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in community participation by collaborating with agency staff and administrators to strategize change in service provision and programming. The aims of the intervention were to: (1) share results of needs assessment with staff members and administrators from community agencies to identify factors driving community programming and consumer-directed choice and control, (2) provide a forum where staff members could learn from each other’s experiences, (3) offer resources and strategies to the staff on increasing community participation, and (4) increase staff members’ confidence in supporting community participation of people with I/DD. Evaluation findings indicated that staff who participated in pilot intervention report increased confidence in supporting adults with I/DD to participate in their communities. Offering opportunities to develop staff communication and problem-solving skills in order to strategize community participation has the potential of not only supporting the empowerment of people with I/DD, but also the empowerment and long-term job satisfaction of staff members.

Author(s):


Zakrajsek, Andrea, Hammel, Joy, Scazzero, Joseph A.

Participating Centers: