Project Description:
1. Need:
Health is an important determinant of quality of life. Unfortunately, people with developmental disabilities have poorer health and are less likely to live healthy lifestyles compared to the general population. In recent years, increased attention has focused on health disparities experienced by people with developmental disabilities. For example, Healthy People 2010 recognized the importance of eliminating health and service disparities to promote health and wellness of children and adults with disabilities. Although health education and health promotion campaigns are the most commonly used public health strategies to promote health and wellness, few efforts have specifically targeted or been adapted for people with developmental disabilities, many of whom, as a function of their disability, experience more difficulties in understanding the effects of their behavior on their health. For people with disabilities, the adoption of healthy lifestyles can have life-changing results including more energy, increased knowledge, more confidence and self-esteem, and fewer serious health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
2. Overall Goals and Objectives:
The Behavioral Health Information Program (B-HIP) was developed to help children and adults with disabilities better understand how to live a healthy lifestyle and the relationship between healthy behavior and feeling healthy. Brochures were written to provide information and resources in an accessible and appealing format for children and adults with developmental disabilities and their caregivers. B-HIP will allow people with disabilities to learn more about their health and how to adopt new skills so they may engage in healthier behaviors. Six brochures were developed addressing topics of particular relevance to this population: nutrition, oral health, physical activity, sleep, and protection from abuse and exploitation. These colorful brochures offer information about the problems faced by children and adults with disabilities, ideas on how to overcome these problems, and suggestions on improving behavior.
3. Unusual features:
This project puts key health information directly in the hands of people with developmental disabilities and their caregivers. Brochures are available in English and Spanish.
The development and central Florida dissemination of these materials was supported by the Florida Center for Inclusive Communities UCEDD through a grant provided by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities. Current funding, a small grant from the Columbus Foundation, will allow us to revise the materials to include local (central Ohio) resources and to disseminate materials to local health providers. Central Ohio public health centers and health provider offices will be invited to participate by becoming dissemination sites for the B-HIP material. If they agree, they will receive a display stand and a supply of B-HIP brochures to display in their waiting room. The brochures will also be posted on the Nisonger Center website to allow dissemination sites (and individuals) to print additional copies at no charge.
4. Expected Benefits:
We believe this project will give people the information they need to make healthy choices.
Target Audience:
Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN, General Public
