SALUD - Supporting Access to Learning, Understanding, and Healthy Development for Adults with ID/DD

2026

The Texas Center for Disability Studies at The University of Texas at Austin is doing two studies to better understand the health and daily living of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) who live with their families. The goal is to learn how family culture and life circumstances—like income, transportation, or access to healthy food—affect the health of adults with ID/DD. We also want to understand what helps them stay healthy and what gets in the way. The project has two parts: Health and daily life interviews: We will interview adults with ID/DD and their main family caregivers. We will ask questions about their daily lives, access to resources, physical activity, eating habits, health, and overall quality of life. Photovoice interviews: We will talk with adults with ID/DD and use a method called photovoice, where people take photos to share their thoughts and experiences. This will help us learn how they view their own health and healthy behaviors. What we expect to learn: New knowledge that can be used by individuals, families, communities, and researchers on: Factors that contribute to poor and good health among adults with ID/DD The perspectives of adults with ID/DD about their health We hope to identify: What helps adults with ID/DD stay healthy What challenges make it harder for them to be healthy How adults with ID/DD think about their own health and well-being

Adolescent Health, Mental/Behavioral Health – Autism, Developmental Disabilities, Health Equity, Maternal Health – General, Nutrition, Social Determinants of Health

Performing Research or Evaluation

Health-Related Activities, Quality of Life

Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities

Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote

Single-County, Mulit-County, State

N/A