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Recommended Reading
We take our work seriously. To that end, we like to stay caught up on topics related to intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and we invite you to check here often to learn more about relevant topics and catch up on the news.
Before You Begin
Topics surrounding IDD are complex and often difficult: perspectives are as individual as the people living with those disabilities. The views expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect the views of Promise Community Homes. Some sources require subscriptions to read the linked articles.
Have an article or study you think should be included in this list? Submit your recommendation here.
Table of Contents
Studies
These in-depth studies shed light on how we can make–and are already making–our own community and our world a better place for individuals and families living with IDD.
What We Know About Homelessness and Intellectual Disability
Psychology Today - September 29, 2020
There are more than a half million homeless people in the United States; more than half of them sleep unsheltered each night, while the other half use emergency shelters and transitional housing.
Research demonstrates that 30 to 40 percent of homeless people have a cognitive impairment, including traumatic brain injury, learning difficulties, intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
This article includes a link to the study abstract with an option to download the full research text.
There's No Place Like Home
The Arc of the United States and CQL - 2019
The Arc of the United States surveyed individuals and families living with IDD to generate this in-depth report about housing preferences and satisfaction. Take a quick look at some key pages, view the summary video, or read the full report, all right here.
The Case for Inclusion Report 2019
United Cerebral Palsy and ANCHOR Foundation - 2019
UCP teamed up with ANCHOR to complete this in-depth study, naming Missouri the 4th best state for people with IDD. According to this study, Missouri was also the 2nd most improved in rankings since 2007 when we were 41st out of 50. Take a quick look or read the full report.
Best & Worst Cities for People with Disabilities
WalletHub - October 9, 2019
WalletHub’s study reveals St. Louis is the 3rd best city in country for people living with disabilities. Check out the interactive map below, and read the full report above.
Other Resources
Navigating a Move With a Disability
MYMOVE, LLC - July 30, 2020
Disability Scoop
The Premier Source for Developmental Disability News
Advocacy
We work hard to be advocates in our community, state, country, and world. Here are just some of the organizations we’re a part of to advocate for individuals and families living with IDD.
History and Perspective
Asylum: Inside Central State Hospital, once the world’s largest mental institution
Atlanta Magazine - February 18, 2015
Relevant News
The views expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect the views of Promise Community Homes. Some sources require subscriptions to read the linked articles.
Waiting Lists May Be Eliminated For Disability Services Provided By Medicaid
Disability Scoop - March 22, 2021
Opinion: Where’s the Vaccine for Ableism?
The New York Times - February 4, 2021
Parents Sue Louisiana Sheriff and Deputies Over Autistic Son’s Death
The New York Times - January 15, 2021
Opinion: When an I.Q. Score Is a Death Sentence
The New York Times - January 11, 2021
Michael Cusack, 64, Dies; Helped Inspire the Special Olympics
The New York Times - January 9, 2021
Ohio offered nursing home workers early dibs on a vaccine. Many said no.
The New York Times - December 31, 2020
Opinion: This Is Why Nursing Homes Failed So Badly
The New York Times - December 31, 2020
Opinion: Nursing Home Patients Are Dying of Loneliness
The New York Times - December 29, 2020
The Last Children of Down Syndrome
The Atlantic - December 2020
Lesson of the Day: ‘Chris Nikic, You Are an Ironman. And Your Journey Is Remarkable.’
The New York Times - November 20, 2020
Chris Nikic, You Are an Ironman. And Your Journey Is Remarkable.
The New York Times - November 16, 2020
Scary Is How You Act, Not Look, Disability Advocates Tell Filmmakers
The New York Times - November 17, 2020
Developmental Disabilities Heighten Risk of Covid Death
The New York Times - November 10, 2020
Do Emotional-Support Pets Pose a Covid Risk in Apartment Buildings?
The New York Times - November 7, 2020
N.H.L. Team Drops Top Draft Pick Accused of Racist Bullying
The New York Times - October 29, 2020
Manslaughter Charge Urged for Israeli Officer in Killing of Autistic Palestinian
The New York Times - October 21, 2020
Remote but Inclusive for Years, and Now Showing Other Companies How
The New York Times - October 18, 2020
BOOK REVIEW: A Mother Takes Readers on a Journey With Her Autistic Son
The New York Times - October 16, 2020
Disability Futures Fellows
Ford Foundation - October 2020
Ford and Mellon Foundations Unveil Initiative for Disabled Artists
The New York Times - October 14, 2020
Having Dementia Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Vote
The New York Times - October 14, 2020
Vintage Photographs Inside Mental Hospitals From Decades Past
The Imperfective - March 12, 2020
Nursing Homes Oust Unwanted Patients With Claims of Psychosis
The New York Times - September 19, 2020
Ke’Lin Dillard, Caregiver and Dedicated Mother, Dies at 29
The New York Times - September 18, 2020
Lower Decks Episode 7 Fixes One of Star Trek Canon's Most Embarrassing Tropes
SyFy Wire - September 17, 2020
As School Returns, Kids With Special Needs Are Left Behind
The New York Times - September 16, 2020
My Child Has a Disability. What Will Her Education Be Like This Year?
The New York Times - September 9, 2020
Oscars Set Inclusion Standards for Best Picture Category
The New York Times - September 8, 2020
Covid-19 has disproportionately impacted those living with developmental disabilities
CNN - August 28, 2020
A time of unprecedented fear for parents of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
The Washington Post - April 3, 2020
Oscars Academy Sets Out New Diversity Standards for Best Picture Contenders
The New York Times - September 8, 2020
A Police Officer Shot a 13-Year-Old With Autism in Salt Lake City
The New York Times - September 8, 2020
Academy Explains Diversity Rules for Best Picture Oscar
The New York Times - September 8, 2020
Angela Russell Dies at 65; She Grew Up With a Love of Song
The New York Times - September 4, 2020
Betty J. McBride, Georgia Teacher and Counselor, Dies at 71
The New York Times - September 2, 2020
Ex-Leaders of Troubled Care Center Charged With Money Crimes
The New York Times - September 2, 2020
COVID-19 Taking A Toll On Direct Support Professionals
Disability Scoop - September 1, 2020
Much More Than Checks: How Social Security Depends on the Mail
The New York Times - August 27, 2020
The Actors With Disabilities Redefining Representation
The New York Times - August 25, 2020
When the World Shut Down, They Saw It Open
The New York Times - August 24, 2020
College Reopening: The Outlook for In-Person Classes
The New York Times - August 24, 2020
Deidre Davis Butler, Who Fought for Disability Rights, Dies at 64
The New York Times - August 21, 2020
Utah Sets Pandemic Safeguards for People With Disabilities
The New York Times - August 20, 2020
A Novel Way to Combat Covid-19 in Nursing Homes: Strike Teams
The New York Times - August 18, 2020
Ruling Barring Death Penalty Against Immigrant Reversed
The New York Times - August 17, 2020
Pennsylvania Investigate Sex Abuse Claims at Care Facility
The New York Times - August 14, 2020
More Than 40% of U.S. Coronavirus Deaths Are Linked to Nursing Homes
The New York Times - August 13, 2020
Disney Introduces Adaptive Costumes for People With Disabilities
The Mighty - August 12, 2020
Report: At Least 41 Children Alleged Assaults at Nonprofit
The New York Times - August 12, 2020
Missouri group homes for disabled still on high alert during pandemic
KMOX Radio - August 10, 2020
Protecting the Rights of Those With Disabilities
The New York Times - August 1, 2020
Overlooked No More: Roland Johnson, Who Fought to Shut Down Institutions for the Disabled
The New York Times - July 31, 2020
Renada McGuire, Resilient Home Health Aide, Dies at 39
The New York Times - July 29, 2020
Octavia Spencer: Cast More Actors With Disabilities
The New York Times - July 27, 2020
The Pandemic’s Toll on Children With Special Needs and Their Parents
The New York Times - July 27, 2020
‘Disabled People Love Clothes Too’
The New York Times - July 26, 2020
We’re 20 Percent of America, and We’re Still Invisible
The New York Times - July 26, 2020
A ‘Safety Net’ That’s a Kafkaesque Mess
The New York Times - July 25, 2020
Disabled Americans Mark Milestone as Crisis Deepens Job Woes
The New York Times - July 25, 2020
When Caring for Your Child’s Needs Becomes a Job All Its Own
The New York Times - July 24, 2020
28 Ways to Learn About Disability Culture
The New York Times - July 24, 2020
A More Accessible World
The New York Times - July 24, 2020
Overlooked No More: Cheryl Marie Wade, a Performer Who Refused to Hide
The New York Times - July 23, 2020
How Equity Is Lost When Companies Hire Only Workers With Disabilities
The New York Times - July 23, 2020
How Equity Is Lost When Companies Hire Only Workers With Disabilities
The New York Times - July 23, 2020
How Equity Is Lost When Companies Hire Only Workers With Disabilities
The New York Times - July 23, 2020
How Caregiving Became More Than Just a Women’s Issue
The New York Times - July 23, 2020
Once Science Fiction, Gene Editing Is Now a Looming Reality
The New York Times - July 22, 2020
Before the A.D.A., There Was Section 504
The New York Times - July 22, 2020
Condemned Tennessee Inmate Claims Innocence, Seeks DNA Tests
The New York Times - July 22, 2020
‘Nothing About Us Without Us’: 16 Moments in the Fight for Disability Rights
The New York Times - July 22, 2020
Biden to Announce $775 Billion Plan to Help Working Parents and Caregivers
The New York Times - July 21, 2020
What the A.D.A. Means to Me
The New York Times - July 20, 2020
Exploring What Disability Means Today, and Could Mean Tomorrow
The New York Times - July 20, 2020
The A.D.A. at 30: Beyond the Law’s Promise
The New York Times - July 20, 2020
Building Accessibility Into America, Literally
The New York Times - July 20, 2020
Krip-Hop Nation Showcases Rappers With Disabilities. Meet 5 of Our Favorites.
The New York Times - July 19, 2020
After #OscarsSoWhite, Disability Waits for Its Moment
The New York Times - July 19, 2020
Disability Pride: The High Expectations of a New Generation
The New York Times - July 17, 2020
Disabled Do-It-Yourselfers Lead Way to Technology Gains
The New York Times - July 14, 2020
Accused El Paso Shooter Had Mental Disabilities, Lawyers Say
The New York Times - July 13, 2020
Lawyer: El Paso Shooting Suspect Has 'Mental Disabilities'
The New York Times - July 13, 2020
A Glimpse Into My Son’s Magnificent Mind
The New York Times - July 10, 2020
Social Programs Can Sometimes Turn a Profit for Taxpayers
The New York Times - July 10, 2020
I Have M.S. This Is What It’s Like to Be Fed by Other People.
The New York Times - July 10, 2020
What Happens When You’re Disabled but Nobody Can Tell
The New York Times - July 10, 2020
The Path From Boy Scout to Pulitzer Winner
The New York Times - July 10, 2020
Help Shape Our Reporting on Disability and Accessibility in America
The New York Times - July 10, 2020
Overlooked No More: Brad Lomax, a Bridge Between Civil Rights Movements
The New York Times - July 8, 2020
Was This Ancient Taoist the First Philosopher of Disability?
The New York Times - July 8, 2020
Are Accessible Cosmetics the Final Frontier in Makeup Inclusivity?
The New York Times - July 7, 2020
New & Noteworthy, From Craigslist Confessions to Toxic Outrage
The New York Times - July 7, 2020
The Wilderness of Rare Genetic Diseases and the Parents Navigating It
The New York Times - July 7, 2020
What Happens When Your Baby Isn’t Who You Expected?
Book Review, The New York Times - July 7, 2020
Judge Sides With Disney in Case of Autistic Accommodation
The New York Times - July 1, 2020
The Invisible Essential Workers
The New York Times - June 30, 2020
Lynika Strozier, Who Researched Early Plant DNA, Dies at 35
The New York Times - June 19, 2020
Lockdown Dances for Women at Madrid Intellectual Disabilities Centre
The New York Times - June 18, 2020
Lives Lost: For Man With Down Syndrome, a College Dream
The New York Times - June 18, 2020
Target, Don’t Tell Me You ‘Stand With Black Families’
The New York Times - June 12, 2020
Homes for Disabled Hit Hard by COVID, Faced Past Violations
The New York Times - June 11, 2020
Ruling: LA Officer Used Unreasonable Force in Costco Killing
The New York Times - June 10, 2020
As the Country Opens Up, Children With Disabilities Are Getting Left Behind
The New York Times - June 10, 2020
Connecticut Hospitals Ordered to Allow Visitors for Patients With Disabilities
The New York Times - June 9, 2020
Texas Inmate Who Spent Nearly 40 Years on Death Row Is Granted Parole
The New York Times - June 9, 2020
Covid-19 kills hundreds in group homes for developmentally disabled in N.Y.
The Buffalo News - June 8, 2020
Condolences From Netanyahu, a Week After Police Kill Autistic Palestinian
The New York Times - June 7, 2020
Israeli PM: Killing of Palestinian With Autism a 'Tragedy'
The New York Times - June 7, 2020
Stacey Milbern, a Warrior for Disability Justice, Dies at 33
The New York Times - June 6, 2020
Dr. Bertram Brown, Mental Health Advocate, Is Dead at 89
The New York Times - June 4, 2020
Autistic Palestinian's Killing Draws Floyd Parallel, Outcry
The New York Times - June 4, 2020
Pandemic Highlights Serious Shortage Of Caregivers For Missourians With Disabilities
St. Louis Public Radio - June 2, 2020
Recent College Grads Benefiting From Impact of Landmark ADA
The New York Times - June 2, 2020
For Many Caregivers and People With Disabilities, WFH Was Never Just a Perk
The New York Times - May 27, 2020
How to Improve and Protect Nursing Homes From Outbreaks
The New York Times - May 22, 2020
Teachers Union Sues DeVos, School District Over Special Ed
The New York Times - May 20, 2020
Until My Disabled Son’s Needs Are Met, Can I Get a Genius Award?
The New York Times - May 14, 2020
The Extra Burden for Parents of Children With Special Needs
The New York Times - May 13, 2020
Growing Up Alongside a Sibling With a Disability
The New York Times - May 11, 2020
What’s Going to Happen to Junior, Now That His Mother Is Dead?
The New York Times - May 7, 2020
UN Leader Says 1B People With Disabilities Hard Hit by Virus
The New York Times - May 6, 2020
Coronavirus Crisis Exacts Toll on People With Disabilities
The New York Times - May 6, 2020
Democratic U.S. Senators Push for Coronavirus Aid to Nonprofits
The New York Times - May 5, 2020
Willie Levi, 73, Dies; He Escaped a Life of Servitude
The New York Times - April 30, 2020
What Should I Do if I Think My Child Has Autism?
The New York Times - April 30, 2020
DeVos Decides Against Special Education Waivers During the Pandemic
The New York Times - April 28, 2020
Mel Baggs, Blogger on Autism and Disability, Dies at 39
The New York Times - April 28, 2020
Medical Director Resigns From Troubled Iowa Institution
The New York Times - April 27, 2020
Needing At-Home Workers, Call Centers Turn to People With Disabilities
The New York Times - April 26, 2020
Virus Lockdowns an Extra Ordeal for Special-Needs Children
The New York Times - April 25, 2020
Teachers of Special-Needs Students Struggle With Feelings of Helplessness
The New York Times - April 23, 2020
For Parents of Kids With Special Needs, Summer Brings Added Anxiety
The New York Times - April 18, 2020
The Right School Can Make All the Difference for a Child With Disabilities
The New York Times - April 18, 2020
How Early Intervention Changed My Son’s Life
The New York Times - April 17, 2020
What Is Sensory Processing Disorder?
The New York Times - April 17, 2020
My Power Wheelchair Makes Me a Better Mom
The New York Times - April 17, 2020
Leilani Jordan, 27, Dies; Disabled, but Helping Shoppers
The New York Times - April 17, 2020
‘It’s Hit Our Front Door’: Homes for the Disabled See a Surge of Covid-19
The New York Times - April 8, 2020
DeVos Weighs Waiving Special Education. Parents Are Worried.
The New York Times - April 2, 2020
High Blood Pressure of Pregnancy Tied to Developmental Problems in Children
The New York Times - April 2, 2020
April Dunn, Louisiana Fighter for Disability Rights, Dies at 33
The New York Times - March 31, 2020
Parents and Schools Are Struggling to Care for Kids With Special Needs
The New York Times - March 31, 2020
At the Top of the Covid-19 Curve, How Do Hospitals Decide Who Gets Treatment?
The New York Times - March 31, 2020
Remote Learning Poses Hurdles for Students With Disabilities
The New York Times - March 31, 2020
‘Crip Camp’ Review: After Those Summers, Nothing Was the Same
The New York Times - March 24, 2020
Whose Life is Worth Saving? In Washington State, People With Disabilities Are Afraid They Won’t Make the Cut.
The New York Times - March 23, 2020
In 'Crip Camp,' a Rare Spotlight for Disability Rights
The New York Times - March 24, 2020
Japanese Man Who Murdered 19 Disabled People Is Sentenced to Death
The New York Times - March 16, 2020
Japanese Man Accused of Killing 19 Disabled People Sentenced to Death
The New York Times - March 16, 2020
Worker at Japan Care Home Sentenced to Hang for Mass Killing
The New York Times - March 16, 2020
Charges Dropped as Youth Center Abuse Investigation Widens
The New York Times - March 11, 2020
US Appeals Judges Hear Down Syndrome Abortion Arguments
The New York Times - March 11, 2020
His Reality Is a Mock Village Where Everybody Knows Him
The New York Times - March 9, 2020
Girl With Disabilities Sexually Abused and Raped on School Bus, Lawsuit Says
The New York Times - March 8, 2020
F.D.A. Bans School Electric Shock Devices
The New York Times - March 6, 2020
For Special-Needs Kids, New Jersey Rabbi Offers Chance of a 'LifeTown'
The New York Times - March 6, 2020
U.S. FDA Bans Electrical Stimulation Devices Used in Curbing Aggressive Behavior
The New York Times - March 4, 2020
Down Syndrome, So What? One Woman's Campaign in France's Municipal Elections
The New York Times - March 3, 2020
FDA Bans Shock Device Used on Mentally Disabled Patients
The New York Times - March 4, 2020
When the Police Stop a Teenager With Special Needs
The New York Times - February 27, 2020
Lawmakers Plan Hearings on Arousal Study at Iowa Institution
The New York Times - February 26, 2020
State Documents: Top DHS Manager Knew of Arousal Study Plans
The New York Times - February 24, 2020
Founder of French Charity Is Accused of Pattern of Abuse
The New York Times - February 23, 2020
L'Arche: Investigation Reveals Abuses Committed by Founder Vanier
The New York Times - February 22, 2020
Broken Trust: A Cycle of Abuse
The New York Times - February 21, 2020
Beatings, Burns and Betrayal: The Willowbrook Scandal’s Legacy
The New York Times - February 21, 2020
Intellectual Disability Cited in Death Row Inmate's Appeal
The New York Times - February 20, 2020
California Governor Seeks to Expand Involuntary Treatment
The New York Times - February 19, 2020
6-Year-Old Held in Mental Health Center for 2 Days Without Mother’s Consent
The New York Times - February 17, 2020
Man Sued Over Iowa Sexual Arousal Study Ran Kansas Facility
The New York Times - February 13, 2020
Housing Choices Are Limited For People With Developmental Disabilities, Survey Finds
Administration for Community Living - February 10, 2020
Virginia Official Apologizes for Post on Disabled Students
The New York Times - February 13, 2020
Iowa Governor Won't Discuss Center's Sexual Arousal Research
The New York Times - February 12, 2020
Former Staff Claims Iowa Center Exploited Disabled Patients
The New York Times - February 11, 2020
For the Disabled in Hollywood, Report Finds Hints of Progress
The New York Times - February 5, 2020
Take the Quiz: Could You Manage as a Poor American?
The New York Times - January 28, 2020
Caucusing in Iowa With a Disability: Red Tape and Unreturned Calls
The New York Times - January 26, 2020
Disability-Rights Movement Takes Spotlight at Sundance
The New York Times - January 25, 2020
Federal Government Backs Ohio on Down Syndrome Abortion Law
The New York Times - January 22, 2020
Amtrak Ends Policy Resulting in $25,000 Bill for Activists
The New York Times - January 22, 2020
Amtrak’s Charge to Accommodate 2 Extra Wheelchairs? $25,000
The New York Times - January 21, 2020
A Compassionate Children’s Book From the NPR Host Scott Simon
The New York Times - January 21, 2020
Teenage Heroes in a Mythical Land Fight Monsters, and Stereotypes
The New York Times - January 21, 2020
London Teen's Family Sues Malaysian Resort Over Her Death
The New York Times - January 21, 2020
Fire at Czech Asylum Kills at Least 8 and Injures 30 Others
The New York Times - January 19, 2020
Eight Killed in Blaze at Czech Home for Disabled
The New York Times - January 19, 2020
Another Disability Disaster in the Making
The New York Times - January 16, 2020
‘You’re a Complete Mystery to Me’: Meet My Brother Jamie
The New York Times - January 14, 2020
Where Adults Who Need a Hand Gain Independence
The New York Times - January 13, 2020
When Disability Isn’t a Special Need but a Special Skill
The New York Times- January 13, 2020
Elizabeth Warren Opens a New Front in Disability Policy
The New York Times - January 10, 2020
Japanese Man Pleads Not Guilty to Killing 19 Due to Mental Health
The New York Times - January 8, 2020
Before the ‘Final Solution’ There Was a ‘Test Killing’
The New York Times - January 8, 2020
Japan Halts Trial of Man Accused of Killing 19 Disabled People
The New York Times - January 8, 2020
Health Center Employee Accused of Raping Disabled Woman
The New York Times - January 7, 2020
Early Treatment for Autism Is Critical, New Report Says
The New York Times - January 6, 2020
AP Photos: Disabled Romanian Children Given Chance to Shine
The New York Times - January 4, 2020
How Peanut Butter Falcon’s Zack Gottsagen Didn't Let Down Syndrome Stop Him from Taking Hollywood
People Magazine - August 7, 2019