Addressing Health Inequities for People with IDD in the Hospital Through Stakeholder Partnerships

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are at increased risk of medical conditions versus the general population. Despite understanding that patients with IDD in inpatient settings require individualized care, medical providers often are underprepared, under-resourced, and under-supported. This project aims to build capacity of inpatient nursing staff to understand the medical, social, environmental, mental/behavioral health needs of individuals with IDD, in the interest of promoting optimal healthcare outcomes.

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CREATE (Combining Research, Engagement, and Art To Enhance) Inclusion: Supporting Self-Advocates, Communities, and Projects in Finding Their Artistic Voice

This session will share how one UCEDD has supported people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in painting, storytelling, photography, theatre, and creative writing to improve awareness, health, employment, and inclusion. Facilitators will provide attendees with resources and materials to 1) develop artwork expressing their experiences and aspirations for "creating a more inclusive world" and 2) plan initial steps for art-based approaches to advance the aims of their communities and UCEDDS.

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How to Start Discussing Sexuality and Masturbation with Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Discussing sexuality can be intimidating and talking about masturbation, specifically, is often regarded as taboo. Many individuals with ID/DD are not afforded opportunities to learn about sexuality or to freely express it. This presentation will discuss what holistic sexuality really is, give tips and tricks to start a conversation, and provide resources. All conference attendees can benefit from attending this session by increasing their confidence/comfort level when discussing sexuality.

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The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Healthcare for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs and Functional Limitations

Much research has documented the disparities faced by people with disabilities in gaining access to health care. This presentation uses data from the 2021-2022 National Survey of Children's Health to identify disparities between children and youth with special healthcare needs and functional limitations and those without in accessing health care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The Intersection of Chronic Health Conditions and Disability: Prevalence and Prevention

This presentation reviews the most recent year of data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System on the prevalence of chronic health conditions among people with disabilities. We provide an overview of some of the most prevalent chronic health conditions among people with disabilities and discuss what this means for prevention efforts across health professions. This session may be particularly relevant for health practitioners and public health professionals.

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Virtual Recreation Opportunities as a Means to Expand Accessibility and Inclusion: Erie Canalway Virtual Miles Project

Virtual recreation opportunities promote inclusivity and accessibility for all individuals to engage in fitness and leisure. Point-of-view cycling and kayaking videos have been developed to promote local awareness of adaptive community recreation, virtual fitness opportunities, and encourage in-person use of the Canalway trail. A social story was developed to support increased confidence and capacity for adaptive equipment rental. This project represents an important step toward health and leisure equity.

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Including Individuals with Lived Experience in an Alaska-Based Research Team: Stronger Together

This presentation will share the experiences of including an individual with lived experience as a research team member. To learn about alcohol use and knowledge of the risks of alcohol use during pregnancy among women with developmental disabilities, a woman with developmental disabilities became a member of the research team. Strengths, challenges, and future directions for creating an inclusive research team will be highlighted. Self-advocates, Health professionals, Researchers

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"Guerilla Sex Ed:" Removing Barriers to Sexual Education for the Intellectual and Developmental Disability (I/DD) Community

As a group of neurodivergent LGBTQIA+ professionals, we sought to determine the state of sexual education for individuals with I/DD. We created a resource guide arranged by topic and type, which is meant to be easily tailored to the individual.

Community Health Workers and Disability

This session will introduce the background, themes, emerging topics, outcomes, and implications of disability training and experience of Community Health Workers in the United States. Findings from a nationwide survey of CHW disability experiences will be presented.

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The Curriculum in IDD Healthcare (CIDDH): Evidence of Continued Effectiveness Using the Streamlined Evaluation and Analysis Method (SEAM)

People with IDD experience life-threatening and life-limiting health disparities. Contributing factors include a lack of confidence by healthcare providers to serve people with disabilities, and misconceptions about the quality of life experienced by people with disabilities. This poster describes an independent, peer-reviewed study, published in 2024, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Curriculum in IDD Healthcare in improving clinicians' knowledge of IDD healthcare.

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Insights into Chronic Health Conditions Among People with Disabilities in the Mountain West

Using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey, we assessed the prevalence of chronic health conditions (CHCs) among persons with disabilities (PWD) in the Intermountain West region of the United States. We found that PWD had significantly higher rates of CHCs compared to the general population, and that arthritis and depression were the most common CHCs. Potential paths to reduce the occurrence and impact of CHCs among PWD are discussed.

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A Person Centered Approach Towards Better Health Outcomes for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

This session covers person centered approaches to help people with IDD become better advocates for their own healthcare and become more informed about making healthcare decisions. Participants will complete a workbook designed to foster conversations regarding health priorities, making decisions about communication, and how supporters should be involved in medical visits. Information will be transferred to a one-page Person Centered Health Profile that may be shared with medical professionals.

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Occupational Therapy's Role in Comprehensive Sexual Health Education for Individuals with IDD, Barriers in Practice, and Proposed Solutions

This poster presents data from Oregon-based occupational therapists working with individuals with IDD ages 12-21 about their role in the dissemination of sexual health education. Information presented includes OTR's ability to initiate the conversation about sexuality, and provide discourse around using existing SRHE programs with modifications for our specific practice. This session would be relevant to occupational therapists, professionals working with the IDD community, advocates, caregivers, and interested stakeholders.

Pathways to Friendship: Friendships and Community Inclusion Before, During, and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

A statewide social inclusion initiative, occurring before, during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic, titled Pathways to Friendship, is a collaboration of The Arc of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services, and the Center for Developmental Disabilities Evaluation and Research/Shriver Center/UMassChan, includes consultation, training and evaluation of approaches to improve community inclusion by establishing friendships between people with and without IDD and building inclusion skills among community organizations.

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Exploring Physical Activity Promotion and Implementation within Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Programs

This study examines current physical activity promotion strategies implemented within Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Programs (IPSE) in the U.S. at program and course levels. Most programs promoted physical activity broadly, while 70% offered a formalized course. Strategies used by programs, including goal-setting, peer mentors, and campus membership are well-aligned with IPSE standards and self-determination theory. We discuss recommendations for practice and curriculum development.

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