Projects
Below is a list of the RTC's active projects in the areas of Self-Advocacy and Self-Determination. For more information, see the contact person(s) for each project.

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This research and development project will employ systematic analysis of specific web-based technology and learning strategies to accommodate relevant impairments to web use associated with ID. It will use ongoing internal and external assessments and refinements to create and refine a model for maximizing website accessibility for persons with ID and related cognitive disabilities (RCD). A model website will be designed and evaluated to establish, field-test, and exemplify features of website design to accommodate ID/RCD. The model will be employed to design and deliver information of high value to persons with ID/RCD by focusing on “self-advocacy.”

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Over the past several years, many important systemic and environmental interventions intended to increase the self-determination of individuals with ID/DD have been implemented. These include: the provision of supports in non-institutional, less tightly regulated settings using the Home and Community-Based (HCBS) waiver; the use of “person-centered” approaches to service planning and delivery; training programs for service staff to enhance their ability to support consumer self-determination, and the use of individualized budgets that allow consumers/family members a voice in deciding on how funding available to support them will be spent. Each of these interventions have particular strengths and drawbacks in supporting self-determination. At this time, however, there is a lack of knowledge as to which of these approaches or combination of approaches best supports self-determination. Using both qualitative and quantitative methodology, this study will evaluate the impact of these each of these for systemic approaches along with a number of micro system level environmental factors on enhancing the self-determination of individuals with ID/DD.

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