Title: Community Education for Adults with Disabilities: Mental Health Curriculum
Date: 2025-08-18
Author/Creator: Turk, Maria A.
Abstract: (Background Literature) Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) are at high risk for developing co-occurring mental health diagnoses compared to the general population. Despite this, there is a scarcity of research on effective mental health interventions for adults with IDD, especially in community settings.(Purpose) The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to implement a research-based mental health curriculum in a community setting to increase participant knowledge of this topic while also teaching evidence-based coping skills. (Approach) The mental health class was created for Project SOAR – a local community education program that provides classes, activities, and services to adults with disabilities. In addition, it was developed using extensive research on evidence-based interventions, particularly those effective for adults with disabilities. (Outcomes) Twelve of the thirteen participants who attended the class completed the verbal survey. All twelve respondents answered “Yes” to each of the five questions, indicating that they had fun, learned something new, found the information helpful, felt safe and respected, and would take the class again.(Implications & Recommendations) This program development project contributed to the limited body of research on effective mental health interventions for adults with IDD, particularly in community-based settings. It is recommended that Project SOAR continue its collaboration with the St. Catherine University Occupational Therapy Department by partnering with another doctoral student. Furthermore, community programming should strike a balance between community exploration, leisure and play, and educational activities that support the development of practical, relevant skills.
Advisor: Darla Coss OTD, OTR/L, CHT
Department/School: Occupational Science/Occupational Therapy
Degree Name: Doctor of Occupational Therapy
