Pre- and post-COVID-19 outcomes for Israelis with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the community – Disability Employment Policy Research and Training

Authors: Ayelet Gur, Michal Soffer, Peter D Blanck, Gerard Quinn, and Arie Rimmerman

Publication Date: 2023

Abstract: Study explored differences in subjective well-being, adaptive and maladaptive behavior, close relationships, community integration, family members’ satisfaction with residential and community living settings, and family contact before and after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Israel. Data were analyzed for 37 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The participants demonstrated better life satisfaction and adaptive behavior before COVID-19 than after COVID-19. Participants reported closer relationships with family members and peers before COVID-19 and closer relationships with staff members after COVID-19. The findings reveal mixed, although mostly negative, effects of the pandemic on people with IDD in the community in Israel.

Citation: Gur, A., Soffer, M., Blanck, P., Quinn, G., Rimmerman, A. (2023.) Pre- and post-COVID-19 outcomes for Israelis with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the community. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 61(6), Pgs. 454-467

Keywords: Community Living, COVID-19, Economic Inclusion

December 1, 2023
Researchers: Ayelet Gur, Michal Soffer, Peter D Blanck, Gerard Quinn, and Arie Rimmerman
University Affiliate: Syracuse University & Rutgers University
Full Publication:Gur, A., Soffer, M., Blanck, P., Quinn, G., Rimmerman, A. (2023.) Pre- and post-COVID-19 outcomes for Israelis with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the community. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 61(6), Pgs. 454-467

Summary
Study explored differences in subjective well-being, adaptive and maladaptive behavior, close relationships, community integration, family members’ satisfaction with residential and community living settings, and family contact before and after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Israel. Data were analyzed for 37 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The participants demonstrated better life satisfaction and adaptive behavior before COVID-19 than after COVID-19. Participants reported closer relationships with family members and peers before COVID-19 and closer relationships with staff members after COVID-19. The findings reveal mixed, although mostly negative, effects of the pandemic on people with IDD in the community in Israel.