Development of a Health Promotion Program for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities: Integrating Community Engagement and Established Guidelines

BACKGROUND: The group home(GH) setting can be a barrier to physical activity(PA) for those with intellectual disabilities(ID). GH providers often do not prioritize healthy behaviors, are inconsistent role models due to high staff turnover, and are resistant to change established routines. One way of tackling these challenges is through specially designed health promotion programs(HPP). The purpose of this presentation is to describe how to develop a HHP through community-based participatory research(CBPR) and established HP guidelines for adults with disabilities(Drum et al., 2009). METHODS: CBPR provides the framework where GH managers, staff, and residents can take an active role in designing and implementing a HHP. To conduct CBPR, the following steps should be taken: 1) Conduct a needs assessment with the disability community to define the problem, 2) Integrate stakeholders throughout the planning and analysis phases, and 3) Establish an “Advisory Group” to delineate the problem, brainstorm solutions, and critique program materials. In addition to community engagement, addressing operation, participation, and accessibility issues within the HPP is critical(Drum et al., 2009). Operational components include disability-appropriate measures, theoretical means to explain constructs, and process evaluation. Participation can be addressed through CBPR and self-determination within the program. Furthermore, the program should be socially, behaviorally, programmatically, and environmentally accessible and affordable. RESULTS: This presentation outlines necessary steps in developing a HPP. The development of a HHP for the GH setting will provide context for the methods. CONCLUSION: HPPs designed by and for persons with disabilities will promote a healthy environment that supports desired behaviors.