Objective 2b: Social Inclusion

The Community Level – This study will observe social inclusion of 6- to 12-year old children with severe developmental disabilities in the community through a variety of observation, questionnaires, interviews and case studies.

Little is known about how individual and family characteristics influence social inclusion in this specific population. This innovative, multi-method approach will examine social inclusion across broader ranges of ages and diagnoses, and will include various environments and perspectives.  This research will have direct implications for public policy and for professionals within both the education system and the social and health services that support these children and their families.

Participants: This sample will consist of children between the ages of 6 and 12 years with severe DD.  As mentioned previously, severe DD is defined as a diagnosis in the Moderate DD range or below.