Jennifer Jones

Editor of "Belonging and Resilience in Individuals with Developmental Disabilities: Community and Family Engagement"

January 10, 2022

Jennifer Jones, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Science and Director of the Institute for Developmental Disabilities at Oklahoma State University. All of Dr. Jones’s endeavors are built on the core belief that disability is a natural part of human diversity and everyone benefits from inclusion. Her work in communities and in academia during the past 20 years have focused on improving the quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Like many, Dr. Jones’s passion and beliefs are deeply personal as a mother of a son with intellectual disability. Dr. Jones is grateful for the places of welcome and belonging she and her family have experienced and strives to create environments where people with and without disabilities can flourish together.

This book examines belonging as a key protective factor for enhancing resilience for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. It focuses on understanding intellectual and developmental disabilities and resilience from systemic and social-ecological perspectives, emphasizing the roles of professionals, families and communities in combating long-standing segregation and health disparities experienced by individuals and families. The volume explores the dimensions of belonging across diverse professional fields using a person-centered approach that acknowledges the significant lifelong role of family members and emphasizes reflective practice for professionals. Chapters present research and innovative strategies to facilitate belonging when working alongside individuals and families.

Key areas of coverage include:

• Family-professional partnerships in working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across lifespan and community contexts.
• Spirituality, mental health and identity in persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Research ethics and design in working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• The diverse needs, desires and preferences of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• The importance of individualized planning and approaches in fostering belonging for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

"Belonging and Resilience in Individuals with Developmental Disabilities" is a valuable resource for researchers, professors and graduate students as well as clinicians, therapists and related professionals in developmental psychology, family studies, public health and social work as well as related disciplines, including education policy and politics, behavioral health, and psychiatry.

URL: https://library-dep.okstate.edu/news/celebratingbooks/2022-honorees/jennifer-jones

Last Updated: 19 January 2022