Background
The landscape of rights for individuals with intellectual disability has evolved significantly over the past couple of decades. The field has shifted from a reliance on the medical model to the emergence of the shared citizenship paradigm. Despite the
advancements in adopting a rights-based framework in the intellectual disability field, stigma and barriers to accessing quality behavioral health services. This is a health equity issue in the lives of individuals with intellectual disability.
This stigma is primarily due to a lack of accessible behavioral services for individuals with intellectual disability. Behavioral health needs are often misunderstood, leading to the classification of these needs as challenging behavior. Moreover, there
is an over reliance on medication to treat mental health issues in individuals with intellectual disability, resulting in a problem of polypharmacy. This situation highlights the need for a more robust embrace of a rights-based framework to support
individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
The topic of this special issue focuses on an inclusive and rights-based perspective in supporting individuals with intellectual disability who experience mental health challenges. The articles will highlight a strengths-based
framework and emphasize inclusive practices to support these individuals within the community. This issue will also include voices of persons with lived experience through incorporating their personal stories integrated into the research,
providing a comprehensive understanding and promoting a rights-based approach.
Possible research areas could focus on: How can we make mental health research more inclusive for persons with IDD? What are best practices for providing mental health treatment for adults with IDD in an inclusive setting?
Abstracts
Each abstract should include author details and provide a (a) brief overview of the topic, (b) explain its alignment with the special issue, (c) detail the analytical methods, (d) summarize the results, and (e) discuss the implications for the field,
the readership of Inclusion, and the special issue's focus. Abstracts should be no longer than 300 words.
Please submit abstracts to Guest Editors Dr. Richard Chapman & Dr. Ruth Brown by clicking on the link below.
Abstract Submission Form