This brief report presents a 24-month update from a survey of more than 2,600 direct support professionals (DSPs) and frontline supervisors who support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to live independently in the community. The survey finds that, while vaccination rates are increasing, participants report declines in physical and mental health.
This journal article from AJIDD reflects on implications of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic for research, policy, and practice through the lens of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Without question, people with IDD struggled as the COVID-19 pandemic began and as it has continued. Too many were isolated from friends and family for far too long. Too many were lonely and bored. Too many have not received the support they have needed during the pandemic. Far too many were denied treatment and far too many have died.
The aim of this study was to gather evidence about the experiences of the direct support workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic and to inform efforts to better prepare for future waves of this pandemic. This report was also supported by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities.
The aim of this study was to gather evidence about the experiences of the direct support workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic and to inform efforts to better prepare for future waves of this pandemic. This is a six-month follow-up to the initial report published in fall of 2020.
In this webinar, presenters discussed the impacts of COVID-19 on policy and lived experience of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Presenters discussed the lessons learned, future federal policies, and ways that policies promote Home and Community-Based Services can provide more equitable social justice during this pandemic.
