Community conversations on independent living: understanding the perspectives and support needs of persons with disabilities living in the southeast United States.

Purpose: The pursuit of independent living outcomes has been a longstanding emphasis of disability policy, practice, and research. Yet the ways in which the experience of independent living is understood and advanced locally warrants more focused attention. This article describes a collaboration among a regional Center for Independent Living (CIL) and university researchers focused on developing more informed programs and supports to promote independent living for persons with disabilities in their service area.

Blurring the Boundaries: Reflections From Early Career Faculty During the COVID-19 Era.

The last three issues of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) have featured perspectives from a diverse set of contributors on how the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is being impacted by COVID-19. As four newly appointed faculty members with diverse backgrounds, the editor of IDD invited us to share our experiences with beginning academic careers during this unique time. In making this request, he pointed out that approximately half the members of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) are those who have some type of affiliation with an institution of higher education.