'It's a 24/7 Deal': Parents of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities discuss natural supports

BACKGROUND

Natural supports are widely used by adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. However, little research has been conducted on this topic. This study adds to the literature by examining the role of parents as natural supporters, other members of the natural support network, challenges families face as they secure natural supports, and advice parents have for other families.

METHOD

Twenty-three parents of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities were interviewed. Data was analyzed using a constant comparative approach.

RESULTS

Family members and friends were key natural supporters. However, parents provided the bulk of support. A hesitation with asking others for support was a common barrier to building natural support networks. Parents encouraged others to connect with families with similar circumstances.

CONCLUSIONS

To ensure proper care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we must develop supports that meet family members' needs and identify ways to strengthen natural support networks.

Intimate Partner Violence, Animal Maltreatment, and Animal Safekeeping: Findings From a Public Survey

While research on the link between intimate partner violence (IPV), animal maltreatment, and the need for animal safekeeping has increased significantly in recent years, previous research has included samples of victims/survivors and service providers. The present study examined public awareness of the link between IPV, animal abuse, and the need for animal safekeeping. The study also examined awareness of services and supports and inquired about respondents' experiences with animal safekeeping in situations of IPV through an online survey that was open to the public. The survey included quantitative and qualitative questions and asked about three types of animals: pets, livestock, and service animals. Respondents were 176 residents of Saskatchewan who live in urban, rural, and northern areas of the province. Findings indicate that many respondents knew people who experienced IPV where their animals were also abused. Several respondents had assisted someone in planning for temporary animal safekeeping as part of their plan to exit a relationship when they were experiencing IPV. These results demonstrate the importance of "natural supports," including family, friends, and neighbors, for providing information, support, and assistance with animal safekeeping in situations of IPV, especially in rural and northern communities that do not have domestic violence and animal welfare agencies nearby. Findings also indicate public support for increasing services and supports for people who experience IPV and own animals, including pet-friendly domestic violence shelters and rental housing, to allow people and animals escaping IPV to remain together.

Who Helps? Characteristics and Correlates of Informal Supporters to Adults With Disabilities

This study examined who provides informal (or unpaid) supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Participants included 657 adult siblings of people with disabilities who responded to a national survey about informal supports in the areas of recreation, employment, and housing. Results indicated that most people with IDD received informal supports, with parents and sibling respondents most often providing those supports. Support was most commonly received in recreation, as opposed to housing or employment. Asked to list nonfamily informal supporters, respondents often mentioned paid staff and disability organizations. Correlates of total numbers of informal supporters included the individual with disability's functioning level and parents' ability to care for their offspring with disabilities.

Engaging Communities in Identifying Local Strategies for Expanding Integrated Employment During and After High School

Amidst decades of attention directed toward improving employment outcomes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), few efforts have been made to engage communities in identifying local solutions for expanding integrated employment opportunities. We examined the implementation and outcomes of "community conversation" events held in 6 geographically and economically diverse locales. Each event used an asset-based dialogue approach called the World Café ( Brown & Isaacs, 2005 ) to solicit ideas from a broad cross-section of community members on improving integrated employment that reflect local priorities and possibilities. Six key themes encapsulated the 1,556 strategies generated by the almost 400 attendees. Although considerable consistency was found among the categories of strategies raised across events, the manner in which those individual strategies would be implemented locally reflected the unique accent of each community. Attendees also viewed these events as promising and productive pathways for identifying next steps for their community. We offer recommendations for community-level intervention efforts and suggest directions for future research.