It is often challenging for youth with disabilities to access university education in Africa, and for those who manage to make it to university, while there, their experiences are still not barrier-free. The purpose of this study was to uncover the experiences of the barriers and facilitators to inclusion for youth with disabilities in universities in South Africa, Ghana and Ethiopia. This qualitative project applied a critical, participatory research approach to exploring youth experiences. Youth with disabilities and their colleagues conducted seven focus group discussions, with an average of five students in each focus group, and we used a qualitative descriptive method to analyze data. The findings uncovered similarities and differences in the barriers and facilitators to inclusive education among students with disabilities across all sites. Participants noted limited financial support and university services, and how inaccessible spaces and harmful attitudes are all barriers that hinder their access to education and inclusion. The identified facilitators include support systems and self-directed facilitation. Although the students self-advocated and reported some support to assist in their inclusion in university, it was still insufficient. Notably, some universities are making a concerted effort toward inclusion and accessibility, but more work needs to be done.

This study aimed to understand Bangladeshi users’ satisfaction with their assistive devices, including (a) device characteristics, e.g., size, weight, safety, ease of use, comfort, and effectivenes...

Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) is a multi-sectoral strategy that addresses the human rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities. Justice is a core component within the social pillar of the CBR Matrix, however, there is limited understanding of how CBR and Community-Based Inclusive Development (CBID) programs are implementing this component globally. The CBR Global Network and partners facilitated five online dialogues in different regions of the world to understand current practices and the future of the field as it relates to justice, choice, and power in CBR/CBID. Analysis was completed both deductively and inductively, to explore the trends and issues and any similarities or differences in practice across the regions. Participants discussed (i) challenges in policy implementation and law enforcement; (ii) the role of CBR/CBID programs; (iii) the role of family (as both facilitator and barrier to accessing justice); and (iv) engagement of people with disabilities. Findings detail important experiences of the CBR/CBID stakeholders around the globe, and may inform future funding, practice, and advocacy.

Despite the recognition of the importance of both formal and natural supports for adults with developmental disabilities, there is limited research on how organizations integrate these supports in the Canadian context. Using a collective case study design, this study explored how three organizations in British Columbia, Canada, facilitate the integration of formal and natural supports to improve the lives of adults with developmental disabilities. Data were collected through a comprehensive document review, interviews, and focus groups. The analysis was conducted in multiple phases, focusing initially on individual cases and then on cross-case themes. This research revealed both similarities and differences across three organizational approaches to integrating formal and natural supports for adults with developmental disabilities and their families. Key themes were identified, including the importance of relationships in this work, the creation of natural supports through formal supports and brokered community connections, systemic changes and innovative approaches, and the impact of funding models on organizational support. The findings highlight the critical need for organizations to build trust-based relationships between staff and the people they serve and to provide flexible support that adapts to changing needs and circumstances, facilitated by funders allowing for such flexibility. This study also underlines the value of formal supports in establishing natural networks and the necessity for cross-organizational partnerships to foster innovation and implement effective changes in the provision of services for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

Background: Natural supports provide crucial emotional, informational, and instrumental support for people with disabilities and can facilitate social inclusion and belonging. Minimal research explores natural support in Canadian contexts for people with disabilities. Purpose: This scoping review identifies how natural supports for adults with disabilities in Canada are described in published research literature. Method: Using Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review framework, coupled with recommendations from Levac et al., and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for scoping reviews, we searched a range of academic databases for relevant empirical studies related to the following research question: How are natural supports for adults with disabilities in Canada described in published research literature? Results: Fifteen articles met the inclusion criteria. Family and non-family support systems and other social networks provided crucial natural support to Canadians with disabilities. We organized content related to the role of natural supports into the categories of: (a) being financially secure; (b) contributing to and participating in caring and inclusive communities; (c) being respected and empowered to make decisions; (d) knowing the loving support of friends and family; and (e) choosing a place to live and call home. Caregiver burnout and stigmatization of disability were reported as barriers to natural support, and formal and natural support provision at times, overlapped. There was a notable absence of information related to having a well-planned future, and limited diverse representation in the studies. Conclusion: Support is vital to the wellbeing of individuals with disabilities in many different life domains. This scoping review reveals a dearth of research on natural supports in Canada, and calls for increased engagement with and recognition of natural supports from a diversity of perspectives.

As disability services in the United States continue to shift toward community-based care, integrating formal and natural supports has become increasingly important for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. However, limited research has examined how organizations facilitate this integration. This study explores how Community Choices, a cooperative human services organization in Illinois, enables integrated supports for adults with IDD. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews with eight family caregivers, seven persons with IDD, and nine staff members, as well as organizational and public documents. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings were organized into four themes: (1) “with you, not for you,” a philosophy that positions formal supports as a bridge to independence and community connection; (2) flexibility and risk-taking, enabled by small organizational size, leadership promoting collaboration, and flexible funding; (3) the value of the cooperative model, which fosters shared ownership and peer support; and (4) areas for improvement, including future planning, growth tensions, self-advocate leadership, and equitable representation. This study has implications for designing disability services that integrate formal and natural supports. It demonstrates the value of cooperative, person-centered models and identifies growth tensions and gaps in future planning and in supporting individuals with intensive support needs.