Date Presented 04/05/2025
This study addresses the gap in services for adults with developmental disabilities, demonstrating effective occupation-based interventions, advocating for expanded services, and advancing OT in community-based settings.
Primary Author and Speaker: Antonia Hillman
PURPOSE: Individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities benefit from programs and interventions to improve participation and independence across the lifespan. Despite this, there is little evidence available examining how occupational therapy wellness interventions can impact quality of life for the adult population with developmental disabilities.
DESIGN: The capstone student conducted the project at OV’s Willing Workers, a day center for adult clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Los Angeles, California. The capstone student planned, designed, and implemented an occupation-based wellness program focused on nutrition and meal preparation for 12 adult clients with developmental disabilities with the goal of improving quality of life and occupational engagement. The capstone student also collaborated with the team to research, develop, and train staff on an evidence-based life skills curriculum for adult clients with developmental disabilities to teach and improve living skills.
METHOD: The capstone student developed and utilized a pre-post quantitative measurement tool to evaluate the effectiveness of the wellness group, as well as collected qualitative data to code for themes. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive and inferential statistics.
RESULTS: All participants showed improved scores after participating in the group program, however the outcomes were not statistically significant. Qualitative themes included increased confidence, socialization skills, and routine-building.
CONCLUSION: Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities benefit from skilled group intervention regarding meal preparation to improve overall wellness and quality of life. The outcomes of this project suggest that through skilled occupational therapy intervention, individuals with developmental disabilities can continue to refine and develop their skills into adulthood in community-based settings.
References
Blaskowitz, M., Johnson, K., Bergfelt, T., & Mahoney, W. (2021). Evidence to inform occupational therapy intervention with adults with intellectual disability: A scoping review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 75(3), 7503180010. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2021.043562
Dorrance, K., Usdin, R., & St. John, B. (2018). Health-promoting activities for individuals with intellectual disabilities: Impact of participation. American Journal of Occupational Therapy 72(4_Supplement_1), 7211500069p1. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2018.72S1-PO8008
Krahn, G. L., & Fox, M. H. (2014). Health disparities of adults with intellectual disabilities: What do we know? What do we do? Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 27(5), 431–446. https://doi.org/10.1111/jar.12067
