Faculty Profiles
Ruth I. Freedman
Associate Professor
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Phone: 617-353-3785
freedman@bu.edu
Education
B.A. (history), Brandeis University
M.S.W. Florence Heller School, Brandeis University
Ph.D. Florence Heller School, Brandeis University
Courses Taught
SR743 Introduction to Social Work Research I
SR744 Social Work Research II
Scholarly and Practice Interests
Individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, particularly regarding aging; family caregiving; family supports; decision-making; legal and ethical issues; health and mental health; and dual diagnosis
Selected Publications
Freedman, R. & Taub, S. (March, 2006). Sampling: A Practical Guide for Quality Management in Home & Community-Based Waiver Programs. Cambridge, MA: Human Services Research Institute and the MEDSTST Group, Inc.
Freedman, R. I. and Chassler, D. (2004). Physical and behavioral health of adults with mental retardation across residential settings. Public Health Reports, 119, 401-408.
Freedman, R. I. (2004). Social work practice with persons with disabilities. In D. Lum (Ed.), Cultural competence, practice stages, and client systems: A case approach. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole Wadsworth.
Freedman, R.I., (2001). Ethical challenges in the conduct of research involving persons with mental retardation. Mental Retardation, 39 (2), 130-141.
Freedman, R.I., & Boyer, N.C. (2000). The power to choose: Supports for families caring for individuals with developmental disabilities. Health & Social Work, 25(1), 59-68.
Freedman, R. I. (1998). Use of advance directives: Facilitating health care decisions by adults with mental retardation and their families. Mental Retardation, 36(6), 444-456.
Selected Presentations
Freedman, R.I., “Meeting the mental health needs of adults with intellectual disabilities and mental illness: Ethical challenges and social work perspectives,” 50th Anniversary
Conference, Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva University, New York City, May 7, 2007.
Freedman, R.I., & Freedman, D.N., “Assessing and enhancing the capacities of individuals with dual diagnoses to make informed health and mental health care decisions,” National Association for the Dually Diagnosed 23rd Annual Conference, San Diego, CA, October 26, 2006.
Freedman, R.I., & Freedman, D.N., “Assessing and enhancing the capacities of adults with intellectual disabilities to make informed health care decisions,” YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities Conference on Social Work and Rehabilitation, New York City, May 11, 2005.
Freedman, R. I., & Taub, S., “Health, social, and emotional well-being of adults with intellectual and psychiatric disabilities,” Annual Meeting of the American Association on Mental Retardation, Philadelphia, PA, June 3, 2004.
Freedman, R. I., & Chassler, D., “Older and younger adults with mental retardation: A comparison of community outcomes,” 55th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Gerontological Society of America, November 26, 2002, Boston, MA
Freedman, R. I., & Chassler, D., “Consumer health and behavioral profile and quality of life outcomes: Results of a consumer survey,” 23rd Annual International Conference of the YAI National Institute for People with Disabilities, April 29, 2002, New York City
Freedman, R. I., & Chassler, D., “Choice, decision-making and self-advocacy: Consumer survey findings,” 125th Annual Meeting of the American Association on Mental Retardation, May 30, 2001, Denver, CO.
Freedman, R. I., & Little, F., “Families of older adults with mental retardation: Satisfaction with individual and family supports,” International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities XIth World Congress, Seattle, Washington, August 4, 2000
Selected Grant Activity
Consumer and Family Satisfaction Survey (Phase 1 and Phase 2 Evaluations), Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation, 1999-2000 and 2000-2001, Principal Investigator.
Flexible Family Support Services Study, Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council, 1997-1998. Principal Investigator.
Consulting and Professional Activities
Consulting Editor, Mental Retardation
Editorial Board Member, Journal of Gerontological Social Work
Reviewer: Families in Society; Medical Care; Social Science and Medicine
Board of Directors Member, The Arc of Massachusetts
Advisory Committee Member, Institute for Community Inclusion, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA
Advisory Board Member, Jewish Family & Children’s Services for People with Disabilities, Waltham, MA
Awards and Honors
Fellow, American Association on Mental Retardation, 1999
