Access to Services Through Knowledge

The National Association for the Dually Diagnosed conducted a research study designed to identify key information, community resources, and services that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities need to access throughout their lifespan. Specifically, this project investigated families' perspectives on identifying I/DD resources. 

Addressing the Behavior Therapist Shortage Final Report

The University of Florida and the University of Miami conducted a year-long study on the status of behavior therapists across Florida. Factors that are impacting the shortage of providers and recommendations to increase the number of personnel and improve the quality of people providing services to individuals with challenging behavior are provided.  

Aging Generations' Expectations in Developmental Disabilities

The purpose of the aging caregivers’ initiative, Aging Generations’ Expectations in Developmental Disability (AGEDD), is to address the lack of appropriate supports and services for older family caregivers and their aging adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD). This report will provide a background of the aging and developmental disabilities systems in Florida.

Black*- African American ASD Identification Research Expansion Project

View the Black*-African ASD Reports

Year 1

Year 2

The Florida Atlantic Center for Autism and Related Disabilities conducted research in counties across the state of Florida exploring the process by which Black* children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The insights gained from this study were used to provide better support to parents, ensure accurate and timely identification, and develop training programs for parents, educators, and healthcare providers to enhance the identification process.

Competencies for Case Management Professionals Supporting People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: An Environmental Scan

Mathematica, Inc. conducted an environmental scan of articles from peer-reviewed journals, government reports, and websites on the topic of case management and other support coordination models within the I/DD field as well as those for other relevant populations. This report served as the basis for the development of a suite of tools to assess case management that can be used by individuals with I/DD, family members and caregivers, case managers, and those supervising case managers. 

Dually Diagnosed Research Study

The National Association for the Dually Diagnosed conducted a research study to identify the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with co-occurring mental health conditions (i.e., dual diagnosis). The research study resulted in a state strategic plan to provide direction for services and supports to meet the needs of this complex population.

Measuring Service Quality: An Environmental Scan

Mathematica, Inc. conducted a review of measures currently being used to assess services and programs being provided to individuals with I/DD. These included national, Florida-specific, and local measures that were relevant to a variety of service types. Specific measures for supported employment, residential, and day training programs were investigated. 

Researching Provider Solutions for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: An Environmental Scan

Mathematica, Inc. conducted a review of articles in peer-reviewed journals, government reports, and relevant websites to locate information about the shortage of people providing support to individuals with I/DD and how those shortages are being addressed. This summary includes information about the identified challenges and solutions currently being implemented.

Researching Provider Solutions for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Final Study Report

Mathematica, Inc. completed a mixed-methods research study to gather information about the way people in Florida who are not receiving Home- and Community-Based Services access personal supports from direct care workers (DCWs). 

Strive to Thrive: Researching Aging Caregiving Families Project- Environmental Scan Report

The University of Illinois-Chicago conducted an environmental scan from the perspective of families of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) living at home in Florida to inform the development of a survey and focus group protocols that will be used to gather information and experiences of aging families of adults with IDD in Florida to understand what helps them thrive.