Inclusive Health Programming for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

People with intellectual disabilities face many health disparities including limited access, knowledge, communication, and quality healthcare services. The capstone experience aimed to decrease some of the gaps that the intellectual disabilities community faces. The project applied the focuses of education and advocacy to increase awareness in society of inclusive healthcare. Through the various projects completed in the capstone experience, the target populations received educational resources and materials to increase participation. The capstone was designed to assist in people with intellectual disabilities to achieve their full health potential by providing access to quality health providers, educational opportunities, and resource and feedback sharing. Through qualitative feedback and discussions, the capstone experience engaged members of the intellectual disability (ID) community to increase knowledge and independence of their own health. The capstone student gained competence in working with the ID population as well as the significance of inclusive healthcare in future career decisions and client interactions. The overall capstone experience resulted in an increase in inclusive healthcare through the organization and for a future statewide level in the community.