| Description |
Many of the health concerns of people with intellectual disabilities do not differ from the nondisabled population; however, it is important to develop interventions that target the unique needs of this population to achieve health equity. Health promotion efforts can meet the needs of this population through collaboration, intervention, and advocacy at multiple levels. This study initiated the process of addressing health inequities by using a qualitative, community-based participatory research method, photovoice, in conjunction with interviews and observations, to identify the health perceptions of 25 adults with intellectual disabilities. The first phase of analysis yielded four themes: defining health, feeling connected, having something to do, and being part of the community. A content analysis, the second analysis phase, explores the use of an occupational perspective of health (doing, being, belonging, and becoming) to address the health needs of this population. Incorporating adults with intellectual disabilities in the initial stages of health promotion planning provides information that can be used to design broad programs that move beyond fitness and nutrition knowledge, areas often well understood by many of this population. A community-based participatory study offers support for this collaboration and suggests additional areas to incorporate into health promotion programs. A more holistic approach to health is proposed, which includes life skills training, self-determination, client-centered interests, and an emphasis on strengths and potential. Experiences and observations are shared to highlight issues of social justice and emphasize the need for a multilevel approach to promoting health. An occupational perspective of health is offered as a method to address the social determinants of health and broaden the practice framework of health promotion. |
