Kami Gallus

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

January 10, 2022

Kami L. Gallus, Ph.D., LMFT, is a Research Professor in Human Development and Family Science and Associate Director of Research for the Institute for Developmental Disabilities at Oklahoma State University. Her scholarship focuses on enhancing individual functioning, belonging, and relationship outcomes among vulnerable, often marginalized, and traditionally under-served populations, including female trauma survivors, at-risk youth and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In contrast to a deficit model which views vulnerability as a fixed internal trait, Dr. Gallus' scholarship conceptualizes vulnerability from a social ecological model, thereby resulting from the person-environment fit. Ultimately, her systemic approach to applied research and clinical work focuses not on fixing or curing the individual but on changing the understanding of the individual across contexts to provide supports that enhance the quality of life for all.

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/kami-gallus

Last Updated: 19 January 2022