How the Supports Paradigm Is Transforming the Developmental Disabilities Service System

Abstract

Abstract The supports paradigm is based on the premise that the most relevant difference between people with intellectual disability and related developmental disabilities (ID/DD) and the general population is that people with ID/DD need different types and intensities of support to fully participate in and contribute to society. The supports paradigm is changing professional work and public policies in the field of ID/DD by providing a conceptual basis for aligning the work of researchers, policymakers, and professionals at micro (individual), meso (organizational), and macro (jurisdictional) levels. The potential of the supports paradigm to transform the adult service system is discussed.