Project Description:
The mission of the proposed RRTC is to promote the independence, productivity, community inclusion, full citizenship, and self determination of older adults with mental retardation through a coordinated program of research, training, technical assistance and dissemination activities. The research program is aimed at increasing knowledge about: a)the changing needs of older adults with mental retardation and their families as they age; and b)effectiveness of innovative approaches, public policies, and program interventions that provide needed supports and that promote the successful aging of these adults and their famiies. It will examine how age-related changes in physical and psychological health affect their ability to function in the community, including their home, work, and leisure settings. Secondly, the research program will identify best practices and current public policies that seek to support these adults and their families. The special focus will be on programs that: a)promote health and wellness, b)help individuals and their families make plans for their future needs, and c)provide accommodations for employment and community functioning including innovative strategies, assistive technology or universal design) for these age-related changes. To address these issues the research projects encompass multiple types of studies, including national data set analyses of health care, employment and education patterns; clinical sample analyses from an adult Down syndrome health clinic and assistive technology clinics; ongoing longitudinal studies of family caregivers; intervention studies; analyses of best practives; and export group process.
