What's covered
For this standard, IDD encompass physical disabilities that occur in conjunction with the intellectual and developmental disability, but do not include solely physical disabilities. This standard contains content designed to help individuals with IDD of all ages as well as their family members.
This standard applies to organizations providing programs and services across the continuum of community services for children, youth, and adults with IDD and their families. The range of community services needed for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities include early identification; education; developmental skill building; social, vocational, housing, and residential supports; health-related services and supports; counselling; respite care; and behaviour management.
The Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities standard, provides individuals with IDD and families with a framework for safe and respectful services and includes the following clauses:
- Services are designed collaboratively to meet the needs of people with IDD and the community.
- Physical and mental health and social inclusion are promoted.
- Sufficient resources are available to provide safe, high-quality, and person-directed services.
- Team members are qualified and have relevant competencies.
- Services are provided within a collaborative team environment.
- Well-being and worklife balance is promoted within the team.
- Access to services for current and potential clients, families, teams, and referring organizations is provided in a timely and coordinated manner.
- People with IDD and their families are partners in service delivery.
Service plans are developed in partnership with the individual with IDD and their family based on a comprehensive assessment.
- Service plans are implemented in partnership with the individual with IDD and their families.
- Individuals with IDD and their families are partners in planning and preparing for transition to another service or setting.
- Client records are kept accurate, up-to-date, and secure.
- Information is managed to support the effective delivery of services.
- Current research, evidence-informed guidelines, and best practice information is used to improve the quality of services
- Client and team safety is promoted within the service environment.
- Indicator data is collected and used to guide quality improvement activities.
Who this standard is for
IDD includes but is not limited to autism spectrum disorder, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and Down syndrome (Trisomy 21). Individuals who are diagnosed with IDD have a high likelihood of a dual diagnosis with a mental health issue, are vulnerable to multiple health conditions, chronic health conditions, and poor health in general (WHO, 2010). In 2012, Statistics Canada reported that 94% of individuals with developmental disabilities had another disability as well (Bizier, Fawcett, Gilbert & Marshall, 2015). There are a variety of factors that can affect the quality of life of a person with IDD such as social inclusion, education, employment, and housing (Bizier, Fawcett, Gilbert & Marshall, 2015). Many individuals with IDD need support and services to achieve a good quality of life and achieve social inclusion (WHO, 2010).
The Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services Standard has been informed by literature and developed by a committee of technical experts. This standard provides guidelines of excellence to help organizations provide quality care for individuals with IDD and their families. The literature that is described below influenced the development of this standard.