How can we respond to the health inequities experienced by people with intellectual disabilities who increasingly use mainstream health services? This course offers a concise introduction in health related priority areas and how research and practice can help reduce inequities.
Background
People with intellectual disabilities (ID) experience significant health disparities that can be related to both biological and environmental factors. While healthcare for people with ID used to be delivered through inpatient services, nowadays people with ID use mainstream health services. However people with ID are still often disadvantaged when attempting to access or secure health services. In addition, people with ID may depend on support from their social environment to identify health problems and access services. These aspects pose different demands on health and care professionals, researchers and policy makers in order to reduce inequities:
- understand the specific health needs of people with ID;
- understand cognitive (in)accessibility of healthcare;
- understand the role of the social environment in healthcare;
- skills to participate in inclusive research projects;
- skills to interdisciplinary collaboration.
Health and well-being of people with ID is still notably lacking in professional's training and research investment. Improving knowledge and awareness on these health related priority areas offers considerable opportunities for the advancement of population health and the realization of basic human rights. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with disabilities (UNCRPD), the Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's), especially SDG 3 and 10, address good health and we/I-being for all and reducing inequalities. Reducing health disparities is a critical mediator of social inclusion and participation for people with intellectual disabilities.
Objectives and activities
This course offers a concise introduction in ID health needs and how research and practice can help reduce inequities. We will discuss different healthcare systems for people with ID globally and share ideas on how we can improve healthcare for people with ID. We will use health related priority areas to represent the key topic of each day and you will gain state of the art in-depth knowledge from multidisciplinary and international experts. You will gain inclusive research skills and insights to translate these knowledge and skills into your own research or practice. The course aims to include participants from both the research field and daily practice to ensure cross pollination between these fields. It also enables students in health and social sciences to broaden their horizon on a topic which is often not part of the curriculum. The course will enhance your interest in and engagement with ID by interactive teaching methods . The course will facilitate the acquisition of improved communication skills and habits, and provide you with access to international researchers and practitioners.
After this course you will be able to
- Describe and critically assess the core principles of health priorities on intellectual disability and to equip others (e.g. colleagues) with your gained knowledge and skills.
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of the course content and translate this into your own research, current practice or career perspective.
- Enhance your inclusive research skills and capacities.
- Enhance your transversal skills, including the ability to engage in discussions and exchange ideas with experts in relevant fields and academics.
This course is designed for
The discipline of audience includes researchers and research oriented health professionals, e.g. general practitioners, psychologists, social workers and physiotherapists, who have a specific interest in health and we/I-being for persons with intellectual disabilities and want to learn more about their health needs, about intersectoral collaboration, and inclusive research. Master students of health and social sciences who want to explore a possible career in the field of intellectual disability care or research may also opt for this course.
Admission Requirements
Preferably, participants are already working or are interested in working with people with intellectual disabilities in daily practice, community based rehabilitation or research setting. (Prior) studies of participants include medicine, psychology, sociology, anthropology, international development, and masters in global or public health, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or social work.
ECTS credits: 2
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