Photovoice and Mental Health Services: Experiences of Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

2024

Approximately 35% of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) experience mental health challenges. Additionally, individuals with IDD experience adverse and traumatic events at a higher rate than the general population. Thus, individuals with IDD have a demonstrated need for competent, effective mental health services. Research indicates that adults with IDD face barriers to accessing competent and effective mental health services, and that these barriers have worsened because of COVID-19. This project will identify existing barriers by leveraging and exploring the lived experience of adults with IDD who have sought to access mental health services. This project seeks to identify and address these barriers through the use of participatory action research (PAR). Particularly, photovoice methodology will be used to maximize participant involvement and address traditional power imbalances between institutional researchers and community participants.

Photovoice, dual diagnosis, mental health

Performing Research or Evaluation

Health-Related Activities

Family Members/Caregivers

Specific Groups

Single-County, State

N/A