Health Partners

2016

For people with disabilities, maintaining health and wellness is essential to being self-sufficient, achieving or maintaining independence, participating in society, and preventing the onset of secondary health conditions. Yet, people with disabilities typically have poorer health than the general population and drastically higher rates of obesity and related conditions (CDC, 2010). 2014 Kentucky National Core Indicators data indicate that individuals with developmental disabilities are at extreme disadvantage related to health and wellness outcomes. Over 70% of surveyed Kentuckians were overweight or obese, with only 19% engaging in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity three days a week (Human Services Research Institute & NASDDDS, 2015). It is clear that improved health and wellness programming efforts aimed at improving health outcomes for individuals with disabilities are greatly needed. The Health Partners Project will utilize the Healthy Lifestyles health promotion program, and adapt it for use with a dyadic approach in which 160 people with a developmental disability will choose a health partner with whom he or she will participate in self-directed health promotion activities. Health Partners will also develop health promotion resources and training materials for use at the postsecondary level for interdisciplinary professionals. A variety of mechanisms will enable sustainability and replication. This project is seen as a critical component in providing health and wellness options that promote self-determination.

Healthy Lifestyles Partners

Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training, Other Direct/Model Services, Demonstration Services

Health-Related Activities, Recreation-Related Activities, Quality of Life

Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities

None

Single-County, Mulit-County, State

N/A