ACS RTC Increasing Friendships, Social Inclusion and Community Participation of Persons with ID/DD
Project Description:
Need:
Individuals with ID/DD may be physically included in community places, but are still often socially isolated. Many methods have been developed to assist staff in impacting social inclusion. However, these approaches have never been contrasted with going directly to community members.
Goals and Obejctives:
This study will examine the effectiveness of two different approaches to supporting community participation, those based in human services agencies versus direct involvement of community members. Social inclusion outcomes will be compared for individuals randomly assigned to: (a) no intervention; (b) training methods for residential services staff; and (c) direct engagement of civic organizations, faith communities, chambers of commerce, and other community organizations. This study responds to NIDRR priorities in the improved community intervention and direct support areas.
Expected Benefits:
1. Validated interventions to increase social inclusion of persons with ID/DD
2. National community service/civic organizations and faith communtieis will expand their role and accountability in building inclusive communities
3. People with ID/DD increase physical and social integration, community membership and socially valued roles
4. Dissemination of effective methods to human services agencies, community service and faith organizations
Keyword(s):
social inclusion, community inclusion
Core Function(s):
Performing Technical Assistance and/or Training, Performing Research or Evaluation
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, General Public
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Specific Groups
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
Mulit-County
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
