K A Sanderson1, M M Burke2, R C Urbano3,4, C K Arnold2, R M Hodapp4,5. 1. Advanced Studies in Education and Counseling, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, USA. 2. Department of Special Education, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA. 3. Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Nashville, TN, USA. 4. Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Nashville, TN, USA. 5. Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Given decreased formal supports for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) in many industrialised countries, we need to know more about informal, or natural, supports. METHOD: Adult siblings (N = 632) responded to a web-based survey about the informal supports received by their brothers/sisters with IDDs. RESULTS: Informal support was organised by the life domains of recreation, employment and housing. Adults with IDDs received the most extensive informal support in recreation and the least extensive in housing; low levels characterised all domains. Individuals with greater numbers of supporters in a domain experienced higher levels of support, as did those residing with family and who received more state-supported, formal benefits. CONCLUSIONS: Unpaid, informal supports supplement the support needs of adults with IDDs. Connections between formal and informal supports for adults with IDDs need to be examined further.
BACKGROUND: Given decreased formal supports for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) in many industrialised countries, we need to know more about informal, or natural, supports. METHOD: Adult siblings (N = 632) responded to a web-based survey about the informal supports received by their brothers/sisters with IDDs. RESULTS: Informal support was organised by the life domains of recreation, employment and housing. Adults with IDDs received the most extensive informal support in recreation and the least extensive in housing; low levels characterised all domains. Individuals with greater numbers of supporters in a domain experienced higher levels of support, as did those residing with family and who received more state-supported, formal benefits. CONCLUSIONS: Unpaid, informal supports supplement the support needs of adults with IDDs. Connections between formal and informal supports for adults with IDDs need to be examined further.
Authors: Sanne A H Giesbers; Alexander H C Hendriks; Richard P Hastings; Andrew Jahoda; Tess Tournier; Petri J C M Embregts Journal: Health Soc Care Community Date: 2021-05-12