Category: Developmental Disabilities

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and this year’s theme is “A World of Opportunities.” The focus is on celebrating people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), raising awareness regarding the inclusion of individuals with I/DD, and removing obstacles and barriers that still affect the disability community today. Direct Care Innovations believes everyone deserves an […]

A recent report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discovered that nearly 9% of U.S. children were diagnosed with a developmental disability in 2021 compared to 7.5% in 2019. Other findings included the prevalence of developmental disabilities among boys compared to girls and how some populations now receive accurate diagnoses sooner […]

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), individuals who live with disabilities experience an enormous amount of mental distress. The statistics are staggering as adults with disabilities suffer from mental health difficulties almost five times as often as adults without disabilities. At Direct Care Innovations, we serve agencies that work with children and adults […]

The developmental disability and special needs community has gained new ground with the passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. This $1.7 trillion federal spending package provides resources across a variety of government programs, including those that assist individuals with special needs and developmental disabilities. At Direct Care Innovations, we are happy to celebrate […]

Not only is bicycling a great form of exercise, but it’s also a fun leisure activity individuals can enjoy on their own or with others. In recent years, adaptive bicycles have been developed so individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DDs) can experience bike riding in a way that accommodates their needs. Direct Care Innovations […]

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed a major gap in the collection of data on behalf of individuals living with disabilities. To properly serve members of the disability community, it’s essential to have complete access to accurate data. This information is used to influence decisions made in regard to their health and well-being as well as […]

Individuals living with disabilities and their caregivers will be the focus of a new Broadway play by Pulitzer Prize-winner, Martyna Majok this fall. “Cost of Living” will make its debut at the Samuel J. Friedman Theater in midtown Manhattan. At Direct Care Innovations, we’re excited to see that the life experiences of those living with […]

Do you have a family member or friend with a physical, mental, or intellectual developmental disability (IDD) who is interested in starting a business? If so, they are not alone. For adults who are transitioning from high school or college into the workforce, it can be daunting to know where to begin. While progress is […]

Not all students successfully transition into college life. The change can be even more strenuous for those living with intellectual disabilities or autism. Fortunately, several colleges now offer residential experiences tailored to students with autism. In this post, Direct Care Innovations covers these residence hall programs and why we need them. 

Do you know what foster care and Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) services have in common? Both services drop off once young people reach a certain age. Fortunately, After 22, a new Chicago IDD transition program seeks to bridge the gap. In this post, Direct Care Innovations explains.