As adults with IDD age, they face the death of parents and other loved ones. Grief can affect all aspects of their lives. It challenges resilience and coping skills. Advocates for people with IDD must recognize and respond to the need for more information and support around death/grief in the lives of people with IDD/their families. This researcher conducted national online surveys of self-advocates and guardians focused on death preparation, and bereavement experiences for adults with IDD. The goal is to build curriculum and supports so that those with IDD can journey through expected losses with evidence-based information and supports.
Learning Objectives:
- describe negative impacts of lack of death and grief education and support
- identify actions/resources to support adults with IDD in death preparation
- identify actions/resources to support adults with IDD in dealing with grief
