RTC:Rural Rural Institute University of Montana

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Resources on Intellectual

and/or Developmental Disabilities


Administration on Developmental Disabilities

State Councils on Developmental Disabilities

Association of University Centers on Disabilities. Conduct interdisciplinary training, promote exemplary community service programs, provide technical assistance at all levels from local service delivery to community and state governments, and conduct research and dissemination activities. University Centers for Excellence provide community training and technical assistance to family and individual support service organizations, and work with individuals with developmental disabilities, family members of these individuals, professionals, paraprofessionals, students, and volunteers.

The University of Montana Rural Institute: A University Center for Excellence in Disability Education, Research and Services

American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine has a library and resources section.

American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Health Bytes: Information for Consumers, Family, and Health Care Providers is a list of resources about health information for people with disabilities, families and advocates, developed by the AAIDD Communicating for Health Subcommittee of the Health Promotion Coordinating Committee.

American Network of Community Options and Resources

The Arc of the United States

Dimensions of Faith and Congregational Ministries with Persons with Developmental Disabilities and Their Families: A Bibliography and Address Listing of Resources for Clergy, Layperson, Families, and Service Providers. This resource guide is divided into areas of congregational ministry and outreach, e.g., worship, outreach, pastoral care, religious education, awareness videos, with sections on respite care, community building, person centered planning, coping with grief, and a new section on resources about history.

GeneTests Based at the University of Washington, GeneTests is a free, NIH-funded medical genetics information resource for physicians, other healthcare providers, and researchers. The site offers expert-authored disease reviews, international directories of genetic testing laboratories and genetics/prenatal diagnosis clinics, and an illustrated glossary.

Indiana Resource Center for Autism Fosters communities that welcome, value, and support the participation and contributions of people of all ages and abilities through research, education, and service.

Institute for Community Inclusion offers training, clinical, and employment services, conducts research, and provides assistance to organizations to promote inclusion of people with disabilities in school, work, and community activities

M.I.N.D. Institute – University of California-Davis International, multidisciplinary research organization, committed to excellence, collaboration and hope, striving to understand the causes and develop better treatments and ultimately cures for neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism, fragile X syndrome and learning disorders.

Montana 2009 Directory of Services for People with Developmental Disabilities

National Association for Dual Diagnosis An association for persons with developmental disabilities and mental health needs.

National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities

National Association of Qualified Mental Retardation Professionals Addresses the historical, conceptual, methodological and ethical issues confronting the QMRP of today.

National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services, Inc. (NASDDDS)

The Guide: NASDDDS Handbook on Inclusive Meetings and Presentations These guidelines ensure that people with disabilities receive the support and assistance they need to fully contribute to NASDDDS sponsored activities. However the issues, challenges, and solutions offered in this report are universally applicable to the involvement of all self advocates. This document provides a framework for involving recipients of state-funded developmental disabilities services.

National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities has been established at the University of Delaware to support the next generation of leaders. The Consortium is working in partnership with the major national developmental disability organizations to offer a variety of short-term, intensive leadership development experiences, an on-line certificate program, undergraduate- and graduate-level campus based programs, distance learning opportunities, mentoring opportunities, a resource-rich website as well as research and technical assistance.

North Carolina Office on Disability and Health Publishes:

  • Partners in Health Care: Women with Disabilities and their Health Care Providers Brochure is filled with tips for health care providers in promoting the health of people with cognitive and physical disabilities. Suggestions are given for people with disabilities on ways to help build positive partnerships with their medical care providers.

  • Women Be Healthy Curriculum Curriculum teaches women with intellectual disabilities to become more active participants in their health care. Its primary emphasis is teaching women about reproductive health and breast / cervical cancer screenings. The curriculum focuses on: health education, anxiety reduction and empowerment training.

  • Work Healthy, Live Healthy Curriculum for persons with disabilities who receive services through community rehabilitation programs. Work Healthy, Live Healthy combines environmental changes with health education and individual supports. Core activities include a consumer directed and staff supported wellness committee, time limited health education classes, regular opportunities for moderate physical activity, such as a walking club, and changes to vending selections. Work Healthy, Live Healthy is designed to encourage the workplace to become supportive of health and wellness for all.

Shodair Hospital (Helena)  Shodair conducts more than 70 genetics clinics annually throughout Montana to diagnose genetic conditions or disorders.  Staff work with state perinatologists to diagnose and manage pregnancies at high risk for genetic disorders or birth defects.

Take Charge Challenge Developed by the New Mexico Office on Disability and Health, this inclusive 10-week physical activity program helps participants determine their own goals, participate in activities of their choice and receive rewards for meeting their goals.

Think College U.S. Department of Education web site for students with intellectual disabilities, family members, and professionals. Provides a searchable database of postsecondary education programs that support youth with intellectual disabilities, a discussion board designed by students for others interested in sharing college experiences, “Choice for Everyone” Listserv for family members and a wide range of professionals, and a resource section of web-based resources and publications.

Walk Your Way to Fitness: Walk, Workout, Be Active for People with Intellectual Disabilities Fitness course on DVD and CD-ROM by Iris Educational Media.  Designed for adults, support staff and learning partners, Disk 1 features a walking class.  Disk 2, “Work Out with Sonny and Pedro: Walk, Dance and Stretch Your Way to Fitness”, presents workout routines of different lengths.

Wellness Club: A Wellness Program for People with Developmental Disabilities model system for organizing resources and supports that prevent and manage secondary conditions by building and maintaining healthy lifestyles.

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