Addressing the need for education: curriculum development for nurses about intellectual and developmental disabilities

People with disabilities, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) report the insensitive care provided by health care professionals. Currently, nursing education includes little substantive information about nursing care of people with I/DD. Colleges or schools of nursing affiliated with university-based training or research programs in developmental disabilities do marginally better. When present, the content lacks a life span focus. A number of developmental disabilities nursing projects are addressing this need with curriculum development and validation through research activities. This article addresses the recent attention to development of curricular materials for nurses in the United States that will provide nurses an opportunity to explore available educational opportunities, increase their understanding, decrease misconceptions, and gain awareness of the health issues of individuals with I/DD.