Date of Publication
1-29-2025
Abstract
Background: Approximately 14% of the U.S. population live with an intellectual and/or developmental disability (IDD). Individuals with IDD face barriers to accessing equitable healthcare, contributing to health disparities. In collaboration with Special Olympics Vermont (SOVT), this study aims to identify and understand the barriers individuals with IDD encounter when seeking healthcare. The findings will help inform strategies to improve access and promote equity. Methods: A Redcap survey including 16 multiple-choice and 2 open-ended questions was designed to understand the barriers to equitable care for individuals with IDD. Surveys were distributed via the SOVT email list and at an SOVT athletic event. Survey participants, including athletes and their parents/guardians, were offered the opportunity to share thoughts via Zoom interview or in-person interview at the athletic event. Qualitative themes were identified following review of interview notes. Descriptive statistics and Chi square analysis were conducted in R Studio Version 4.4.2. Results: Analysis of qualitative interviews yielded 5 major themes revolving around communication difficulties based on quotes from athletes/caregivers. Survey results for multiple-choice questions demonstrated room for improvement in several areas. Most notably, respondents reported overwhelming negative experiences with communication and positive experiences with access to care and provider availability. Conclusion: Despite positive responses regarding healthcare logistics, additional work is needed on provider training and ensuring patients with IDD are communicated with effectively and appropriately. Interviewees frequently remarked on feeling overlooked during appointments. Future directions include developing such training and implementing it for all medical providers.
Advisor(s)
Thomas Griffin, PhD
Larner College of Medicine
Alex Gilman, BSN, RN-BC
Special Olympics Vermont (SOVT)
Agency
Special Olympics Vermont (SOVT)
Subjects
Access to Health Services, Disability and Health, Health Care Access and Quality, Adolescents
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 License
Recommended Citation
Amaio, Alexia; David, Dalton; Greenberg, Michael; Khodadad, Thomas; Multani, Harsimran; Pfreundschuh, Sarah; Tukel, Selin; Ziane, Leena; and Griffin, Thomas PhD, "Understanding barriers to equitable care for people with intellectual and developmental disability" (2025). Public Health Projects, 2008-present. 328.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/comphp_gallery/328
