Health Promotion For Persons With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities

-assess individual and organizational needs --

People with learning disabilities are affected by significantly more health problems than the general population and are much more likely to have significant health risks. Yet evidence suggests they are not receiving the same level of health education and health promotion opportunities as other members of society. This important, interdisciplinary book is aimed at increasing professional awareness of the importance of health promotion activities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Written by an international board of experts, it is a thorough and comprehensive guide for students, professionals and carers. The book considers a variety of challenges faced by those with intellectual disabilities, from physical illnesses such as diabetes, epilepsy and sexual health issues, through to issues such as addiction, mental health and ageing. Contributors: Jim Blair, Penny Blake, Malin Broberg, Michael Brown, Eddie Chaplin, Bob Davies, Gillian Eastgate, Paul Fleming, Dora Fisher, Linda Goddard, Tamar Heller, John Heng, Thanos Karatzias, Mike Kerr, Nick Lennox, Tadhg MacIntyre, Beth Marks, Jane McCarthy,Judith Moyle,Karen Nankervis,Ruth Northway, Joseph O'Grady, Renee Proulx, Janet Robertson, Cathy Ross, Jasmina Sisirak, Eamonn Slevin, David S Stewart, William F. Sullivan, Beverley Temple, Hana Válková , Henny van Schrojenstein Lantman-de Valk. "I highly recommend this book to anyone working directly with people with an intellectual disability as well as professionals, academics and students who strive to promote issues and improve the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and their families." Agnes Lunny OBE, Chief Executive of Positive Futures, Northern Ireland "The editors and authors have done practitioners a great favour in bringing together in one volume a comprehensive account of how children and adults with intellectual disabilities can be supported to lead healthier lives." Roy McConkey, Professor of Developmental Disabilities, University of Ulster, Northern Ireland "This timely and important book synthesises current knowledge about health promotion interventions for people with intellectual disabilities. Written by leading researchers and practitioners, it should be on the bookshelves of everyone concerned with addressing the stark inequalities in health experienced by people with intellectual disabilities around the world." Eric Emerson, Professor of Disability Population Health, University of Sydney, Australia and Emeritus Professor of Disability and Health Research, Lancaster University, UK "This book is current and different from other textbooks I have used before. The book is pitched at a very easy to understand level and any healthcare professional or student working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can use it. The content is very up to date and relevant. The use of comprehensive authors with differing backgrounds demonstrates the textbook has a wide range of expertise and knowledge packed into it that makes the book very relevant learning disabilities practice. I will definitely be recommending this textbook to undergraduate nursing students in Learning Disabilities." Dorothy Kupara – Lecturer in Learning Disabilities Nursing, University of West London.

This book offers a wide range of health and social care professionals, the knowledge and strategies to address key issues, enabling and empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to enjoy healthier lives.

This book is the second in a series with the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities (Series Editor: Matthew P. Janicki). These publications are designed to address the issues of health, adult development and aging among persons with intellectual disabilities. Physical health considerations of persons with an intellectual disability are attracting attention within the contexts of human rights, public health, and health promotion. Research has shown that the prevalence of certain conditions and diseases is much higher in adults with an intellectual disability than in the general population. Experts from specific healthcare specialties draw on a strong research base to discuss key physical health considerations for the intellectual disability community. The result is a core resource for practitioners, researchers, students and advocates in this field.

Easy-to-implement program that can strikingly improve participants' health and quality of life

The first interdisciplinary book taking a contextual approach to the developing health needs of women with intellectual disabilities. It considers the social, economic and political contexts of health promotion. Its concise but comprehensive evidence base makes it a unique, reliable source for a wide readership.

Researchers, academics, and community health practitioners summarize current scientific evidence on health promotion issues as they relate to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 14 chapters address such topics as obesity, epilepsy, mental health, physical activity, and access to health care.