Description
The goal of the ITC on Aging and I/DD is to enhance the lives of aging individuals with I/DD and their caregivers to ensure a high level of quality of later life and promote practice on aging in place in the community. This is accomplished through community and university partnerships to develop and promote pilot projects and promising practices through a research to practice model.
- Project Contact –
- Project Period – 1997-2014
- Annual Funding – $60,000 (FY2014)
- Funding Source – CORE
Core Functions
Community Services and Supports
UCEDD leadership conducts planning and technical assistance to generic and I/DD aging agencies to enhance their ability to better meet the needs of this population.
Interdisciplinary Personnel Preparation
A course on Aging and I/DD is offered to UMKC and continuing education students and is included in the Disability Studies Certificate program.
Program Need and Historical Context
Individuals aging with intellectual and developmental disabilities are particularly at risk as their early and adult life experiences were formed in a much different paradigm than that of children with disabilities today. In addition to lives defined by institutionalization and lack of access to educational and employment opportunities, this population is living longer and often times living at home with aging family caregivers. Our approach is to refine
Consumer and Community Involvement
- Host monthly aging focus/advisory groups with older self-advocates
- Connect with University departments on aging initiatives and co-teach courses
- Partner with generic aging agencies to enhance their ability to support aging caregivers of and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Significant Project Activities and Outcomes
- Wrote the ARDC grant and lead the development of the ADRC in Missouri
- Developed the WARP curriculum for retirement planning for individuals with I/DD retiring from workshop and community employment
