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Poster Presentation

Social Justice and Health Equity

Wednesday Poster Power Hour

WED-006 - Strengthening Independence Through Education: A Self-advocacy Program for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

Wednesday, April 22, 2026
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM PST
Location: Plaza Foyer, Plaza Level
Area of Responsibility: Area III: Implementation
Keywords: Advocacy@@@Health Literacy@@@Patient Education, Subcompetencies: 1.3.2 Determine the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, skills, and behaviors that impact the health and health literacy of the priority population(s)., 6.4.3 Develop communication aids, materials, or tools using appropriate multimedia (e.g., infographics, presentation software, brochures, and posters)
Research or Practice: Practice

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
  • Upon completion, participant will be able to identify strategies to enhance self-advocacy and health communication skills among individuals with intellectual disabilities through interactive public health education approaches.
  • Upon completion, participant will be able to apply examples of adaptable teaching tools—such as role-playing, health binders, and visual aids—that support skills for shared decision-making and promote equitable healthcare engagement.
  • Upon completion, participants will be able to evaluate the impact of self-advocacy curriculum on patient engagement, shared decision-making, and healthcare equity for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Brief Abstract Summary: Discover how to design and implement a community-based self-advocacy program that equips individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) to take control of their health. Participants engaged in a 12-week curriculum containing interactive sessions promoting health literacy, self-advocacy, and shared decision-making skills. From 2023 to 2025, enrollment grew 150%, volunteer support increased from 2 to 37 individuals, and session volume doubled, demonstrating feasibility and scalability. High attendance (97%) and active participation indicated strong engagement. This program demonstrates the potential of targeted public health education programs to improve confidence, independence, and health literacy for individuals with ID.

Detailed abstract description: Individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) are an overlooked population in public health. This presentation introduces a replicable model designed to empower adults with ID through education and self-advocacy skills. It highlights how targeted interventions can advance equity, inclusion, and health literacy within this population.

Attendees will learn how to implement and scale a practical, accessible self-advocacy program that fosters independence and confidence in participants as they navigate healthcare settings. The 12-week structured curriculum consisted of 1-hour weekly, in-person sessions including a brief mindfulness activity, review of prior content, and interactive, skill-based exercises. The presentation includes interactive teaching strategies to address specific learning objectives, including the use of health binders for record organization, role-playing for physician communication, diagrams for shared decision-making, and hands-on activities (e.g., first aid practice, organ system models).

The presentation also explores how interdisciplinary partnerships with universities, medical schools, and community agencies can enhance program sustainability, long-term impact, and available resources. Given this foundation, the program achieved several key outcomes of success, including increased participant engagement, growth in volunteer numbers, and high attendance rates. All of which support the feasibility and enthusiasm surrounding this model.

Ultimately, this session equips public health professionals, educators, and healthcare workers with a framework to implement their own sessions in the community for individuals with ID or potentially adapt the model for other underserved populations facing communication and access barriers.