Guidelines, Recommendations, Adaptations Including Disability: An innovative approach to obesity prevention for individuals with disabilities

Background: Youth and adults with disabilities (YAWD) have significantly higher rates of obesity compared to the general population. There is a critical need to identify ways to prevent and treat obesity in this population using methods that are economical and can be conducted in real world settings.  Objectives: To develop a method modeled after the ADAPTE framework to adapt the 24 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Obesity Prevention strategies (OPS) to be inclusive of YAWD. The product, Guidelines, Recommendations, Adaptations Including Disability (GRAIDs) will facilitate the integration of YAWD into existing evidence-based OPS. Method: Three phases of the adaptation method are: (1) Set-up: An expert panel was convened and adapted AGREE criteria for GRAID development; (2) Development of GRAIDs included: a systematic review of literature, development of GRAIDs using literature, expert workgroup monthly meetings to modify GRAIDs, (3) Finalization: External review by stakeholders (professionals and service providers who work with YAWD, YAWD and family members, the original CDC OPS developers). The expert panel finalizes the GRAIDs at an annual consensus meeting. Results: To date, 16 GRAIDs have been developed. Currently, a work plan is being developed to disseminate the GRAIDs to guide states and other entities in promoting greater levels of community health inclusion in people with disabilities. conclusion: Adapting evidenced-based strategies/programs established on people without disabilities for people with disabilities holds strong potential for accelerating use of existing and new evidence-based findings in this underserved population.