WED-033 - Barriers Without Walls: Identifying Healthcare Obstacles for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Brief Abstract Summary: Learn how invisible barriers limit healthcare access for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and explore practical strategies to address them. This presentation shares findings from a survey of individuals with IDD and their families that identified challenges such as communication gaps, provider knowledge, and system-level navigation obstacles. Attendees will gain insight into the impact of these barriers on health equity and discover tools designed to support patients, caregivers, and providers in overcoming them. By the end of the session, participants will recognize common barriers that individuals with IDD face in healthcare settings and leave with actionable approaches and resources that can be adapted to their own communities. This session emphasizes collaboration, equity, and the importance of inclusive care models that empower people with disabilities to access the services they need to live healthy, independent, and fulfilling lives.

Detailed abstract description: Healthcare for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is shaped not only by medical needs but also by invisible barriers that limit access, equity, and outcomes. Families and patients consistently report challenges in communication, system navigation, provider awareness, and care coordination, yet these obstacles remain under-addressed in many healthcare and community settings. As public health initiatives increasingly focus on reducing disparities, understanding and addressing these barriers is critical for building a more inclusive and effective system of care.

This presentation will share findings from a survey conducted with individuals with IDD and their families in Hamilton County, Ohio. Respondents identified multiple factors that interfered with healthcare, including difficulty navigating appointment systems, lack of provider training in disability-informed care, limited accessibility of information, and inadequate care coordination. Participants will hear both quantitative data and qualitative perspectives that highlight how these barriers affect health outcomes and independence for individuals with IDD.

Building on these findings, the project developed practical, theory-based educational toolkits for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers. These resources are designed to improve communication, strengthen self-advocacy, and increase provider awareness of disability-informed practices. The toolkits integrate public health frameworks with lived experience and community input, ensuring that they are relevant, accessible, and adaptable across settings.

Attendees will learn about the design and implementation of these toolkits and explore how similar approaches can be applied in their own communities. The session will emphasize the importance of collaboration among patients, families, healthcare professionals, and community partners to reduce disparities and expand access. By attending this session, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the systemic barriers that individuals with IDD face in healthcare and leave with concrete strategies and resources to promote equity, communication, and inclusion. Ultimately, this presentation underscores the urgent need to move beyond identifying barriers toward building sustainable solutions that empower people with disabilities to achieve healthier, more independent, and more fulfilling lives.