We are pleased to be able to present a special issue of the International Journal of Developmental Disabilities on how Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) might help people with disabilities and their families understand and experience their rights, experience greater levels of social inclusion, and benefit from overall improved quality of life. The development of a range of personcentred and rights-based approaches for supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is important for several reasons. Historically, people with IDD have been removed from their families and placed in congregate care or institutional settings, limiting their opportunities for choice and community presence, inclusion, and participation (Burrell and Trip, 2011). Individuals with IDD are at heightened risk for discrimination, exploitation, abuse, and neglect, often due to their difficulties communicating their preferences, wants, and needs or reporting the incidence of abuse (Didi et al., 2018). Some individuals with IDD who display behaviours of concern may be at increased risk of experiencing exclusion and restrictive practices, such as physical, chemical, mechanical, or environmental restraint (Friedman and Crabb, 2018). Finally, Didi et al.(2018) argued that families, mainstream service providers, and disability support workers often struggle to consistently accommodate or effectively respond to the needs of people with IDD. As a result, upholding the human rights of people with IDD remains a significant area of concern.

In 2006, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was drafted by the United Nations (UN) to identify the rights of people with disability as well as the obligations of countries to protect and uphold those rights. The CRPD was significant as it was the first to articulate the needs and concerns of people with disabilities about their human rights in a single international treaty (Didi et al, 2018). At present, 164 countries have signed and 185 countries have ratified the