Translating the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program for Community-Dwelling Adults With Developmental Disabilities

Objective: The study was to test the feasibility of supplementary materials (DD-CDSMP) supporting people with developmental disabilities who are aging to participate in the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP). CDSMP is a six-session group intervention designed to increase self-management of chronic health conditions. Method: Supplementary materials were utilized within two CDSMP workshops. Each workshop involved seven to nine persons with developmental disabilities and five to seven staff. Supplementary materials to the existing intervention manual were reviewed using a framework for modifications and adaptions for evidence-based interventions. Process interviews with leaders and participants, pre- and posttests on self-management activity and satisfaction surveys assessed outcomes and feasibility. Results: Classes were successfully held with a 70% completer rate, and all materials proved useful. Discussion: People with developmental disabilities as they age tend to have more comorbid conditions than the general population. Developing and implementing materials and strategies to making self-management more accessible to people with developmental disabilities in mainstream rather than segregated settings will improve the quality of people's lives.