Brief Report: A Pilot Investigation of Safety Concerns Among Direct Service Providers for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

We designed and distributed a survey that assessed safety concerns experienced by direct service providers (DSPs) (N = 59) of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in community-based group homes at a single human services organization. Results indicated relatively few safety concerns among the respondents from a list of 25 survey statements. Possible influences on the findings are presented such as safety training of the DSPs, comprehensive safety guidelines in place at the group homes, and conditions occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic. Current safety research in IDD supports the necessity of assessment to inform prevention and intervention strategies.

Adulthood Begins in Preschool: Meaningful Curriculum in Support of Increased Independence for Individuals with Autism

“…For example, an individual will not acquire the skills necessary to independently navigate a mall if the instructional opportunity is never provided under the guise of personal safety or the absence of any advocacy for the skill to be taught. For some individuals with disabilities, concerns about balancing risk and benefit may be minimized when staff are well-trained in the assessment process (e.g., Driscoll et al, 2022). However, not providing instruction in meal preparation due to the possibility of the person burning themselves on the stove fails to take into account the frequency that neurotypical peers burn themselves or their food during cooking.…”