March 12–13, 2026
Speaker
Anthony Osuna, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist and Acting Assistant Professor at the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Research Institute
About Dr. Anthony Osuna
Dr. Anthony R. Osuna is a clinical psychologist and Acting Assistant Professor at the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Research Institute. His research advances digital health equity for autistic adults and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Dr. Osuna develops and tests community-engaged interventions to promote safer internet use and online inclusion, including the SELFI digital safety program.
Presentation
Co-Designing an Internet Safety Intervention for Adults with I/DD
Thursday, March 12 | 12:45PM to 1:45PM| 60 MINUTES | LIVE
This study describes the systematic adaptation of the Safe Engagement and Learning for the Internet (SELFI) program to meet the needs of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), who face heightened risks of cyberbullying, exploitation, and digital exclusion. Guided by the Discover, Design/Build, Test (DDBT) framework and community-engaged research principles, surveys and interviews with adults with IDD and caregivers identified challenges in recognizing scams, managing privacy, and interpreting social cues, alongside caregiver uncertainty in supporting online safety. Demonstration studies with stakeholders showed strong support for SELFI’s content but highlighted the need for more accessible instructional strategies, caregiver involvement, and differentiated learning tracks. Findings underscore the importance of integrating internet safety and digital literacy into clinical care and community interventions, positioning SELFI as a promising co-designed, community-informed program. A forthcoming pilot trial will evaluate its usability and preliminary impact on digital literacy and wellbeing in community settings.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Objective 1:
Identify key online risks faced by individuals with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), as demonstrated by accurate identification of at least two distinct categories of digital risk.
Objective 2:
Summarize community-informed priorities and accessibility needs identified through the SELFI co-design process, as demonstrated by describing at least two design priorities shaped by adults with IDD, caregivers, and community partners.
Elevate Your Impact is Catalight’s annual virtual conference, dedicated to advancing person-centered care for individuals with autism and intellectual developmental disabilities (I/DDs). Offering continuing education to those who qualify, the conference features a dynamic mix of live sessions and on-demand content, providing a flexible learning experience. Elevate Your Impact is an opportunity to connect with thought leaders, gain insights and optimize care outcomes in behavioral health.