A Case Study of Aging and Intellectual and Developmental Disability Collaboration in Ohio.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neuroscience
• Public Health

Background:

• Initiative focused on enhancing dementia-capable home and community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) and dementia.
• Collaboration between Ohio-based service and research organizations funded by the Administration for Community Living Alzheimer's Disease Programs Initiative (ADPI).

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and expand dementia-capable service systems for individuals with IDD and dementia.
• To foster knowledge transfer and collaboration between aging and IDD service networks.

Main Methods:

• Six-year project involving three distinct initiatives.
• Engaged over 900 individuals with dementia and their support networks.
• Provided education to approximately 3500 service professionals through six initiatives and three evidence-based interventions.

Main Results:

• Strengthened relationships and knowledge exchange between aging and IDD service providers.
• Increased dementia and IDD knowledge and confidence among participants.
• Developed IDD-specific adaptations for interventions and educational programs.
• Identified critical research gaps in aging and IDD.

Conclusions:

• Aging and IDD professionals demonstrated improved understanding of IDD and dementia care needs.
• Ohio serves as a model for inter-sectoral collaboration to address shared challenges in aging and disability.
• The initiative laid groundwork for innovative practices and policies benefiting individuals with lifelong disabilities.