Uncovering health care inequalities among adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities

RL Ward, AD Nichols, RI Freedman - Health & Social Work, 2010 - academic.oup.com
RL Ward, AD Nichols, RI Freedman
Health & Social Work, 2010academic.oup.com
Even as attention is drawn to the increasing number of individuals who experience health
inequalities in the United States, little is known about the health inequalities experienced by
individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Current disability research
mainly focuses on physical disabilities. This article discusses the health disparities
experienced by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The authors
conducted focus groups with parents/guardians, self-advocates, and community support …
Abstract
Even as attention is drawn to the increasing number of individuals who experience health inequalities in the United States, little is known about the health inequalities experienced by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Current disability research mainly focuses on physical disabilities. This article discusses the health disparities experienced by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The authors conducted focus groups with parents/guardians, self-advocates, and community support professionals and key informant interviews with health care professionals to assess the needs of this less frequently documented population. Results from this study indicate that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities face health care disparities and inequities in four areas: access, knowledge, communication, and quality.
Oxford University Press