Previous research suggests that participation in the arts and/or disability arts can positively influence individuals’ affirmation, or a positive embracement, of a disability identity; however, until more recently, persons with intellectual disabilities have not been included in this research to the same extent as their peers with physical or sensory disabilities. This article contributes to the increasing empirical consideration of intellectual disability identity among professional artists. Data were collected via two focus groups, one with five performing artists and the second with five visual artists, as well as follow-up, individual interviews with 8 of the artists. Key findings were identified via thematic analysis. Findings show affirmation of an intellectual disability identity emerged as a stronger theme among performing artists than visual artists. Additional themes related to confidence development, peer relationships and demonstrations of capability supported the notion that professional art practice can foster the affirmation of an intellectual disability identity.

Background. Following the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, there has been increased interest in supported decision making (SDM) as a strategy to realize the right to legal capacity of persons with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities. Support for decision making has been delivered formally through SDM services as well as informally through interpersonal networks. Various SDM programs have made efforts to systematize informal support, showcasing a variety of SDM delivery models that could benefit SDM implementation in low- and middle-income countries. Methods. This article examines and discusses three SDM projects in South America (Colombia, Peru, and Argentina) that have been directly implemented by civil society organizations, including organizations of persons with disabilities and their families. Analyzed program components include person-centered planning, the nature of support relationships, the presence of supporter training, community involvement, and the utilization of quality assurance measures such as monitoring and program evaluation. Conclusions. The results and learning from these initiatives constitute a valuable source of information for legislators and policymakers for the future development of supported decision-making programs, which are an essential form of support and a mechanism for fulfilling the right to legal capacity in low resource settings.

This paper explores the impact of family-informed care on Medicaid enrollees with disabilities’ unmet needs for medical services and long-term services and supports (LTSS) and family members’ appraisal of the services received by those enrollees within a Medicaid managed care program in one Midwestern state. Families play an important role in the lives of people with disabilities. However, little is understood about the relationship between unmet needs of people with disabilities and the degree to which their family informs the care they receive. Regression analyses were performed on 700 surveys that were partially completed by a Medicaid enrollee with a disability and partially by a family member. After controlling for enrollee and family demographics/factors and family involvement in day-to-day activities, family members who reported higher levels of the family-informed care had higher appraisals of the services received by enrollees and those enrollees reported fewer unmet medical and LTSS needs. Findings highlight the importance of including family members in healthcare decision-making within social policies and programs, such as Medicaid managed care. Additional research is needed to promote best practices in family-informed care when desired by adults with disabilities.