Introduction: The lifespan of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) has increased within the past decades due to improvements in medical care and deinstitutionalization. Despite these advances, individuals with I/DD across the lifespan remain at risk for poor physical and mental health outcomes due to ineffective self-management behaviors and health disparities. Health promotion interventions, such as wellness programs, are implemented to improve the development of self-management skills individuals with I/DD can utilize to increase participation in daily occupations.
Objectives: The purpose of this community-based wellness program (‘Happy to be, a Healthier Me’) is to improve the health and wellness outcomes for adults middle-aged and older with I/DD.
Approach: Community-dwelling middle-aged and older individuals with I/DD are included to participate in a wellness program with a duration of six weeks. Participants will complete health promotion modules consisting of occupational therapy practitioner (OTP)-led activity and discussion-based groups that enhance individuals’ self efficacy, motivation and self-regulatory behavior. At the end of the program, participants will demonstrate improved health and wellness outcomes.
Practice Implications: Research for improving wellness for adults aging with I/DD is scarce, highlighting the need for innovative programs to address this gap in knowledge. This wellness program demonstrates the potential impact of a new OTP-led community-based initiative. Contribution to the occupational therapy profession: This community-based program will expand OTP’s role in a non-traditional setting and contribute to improved health and wellness outcomes for adults with I/DD across the lifespan.