Health Matters for People With Developmental Disabilities - 9781598570007

"A blockbuster text that will shift the paradigm... from a medically oriented focus to a more socially constructive emphasis on empowerment, self-determination, and the right of people with developmental disabilities to live a healthy lifestyle in the community."ùJames H. Rimmer, Ph.D., Director, National Center on Physical Activity and Disability

"The authors have carefully provided an easy-to-understand framework for establishing programs that will change lives ... for people with and without disabilities."ùJoan Guthrie Medlen, RD, LD, Author, The Down Syndrome Nutrition Handbook: A Guide to Promoting Healthy Lifestyles; President, JEM Communications; Clinical Advisor for Health Literacy, Special Olympics, Healthy Athletes Program

People with developmental disabilities are at significant risk for health problems. Effective health promotion can improve outcomesùand that's why adult day and residential agencies, schools, and other organizations need this invaluable program development guide. A start-to-finish framework for health promotion, this book shows administrators and service providers how to increase supports for health education, exercise, and nutrition by implementing their own successful program.

With practical guidance on every stage of program development, readers will discover how to

-communicate the key "selling points" of a health promotion program, from improved quality of life to reduced cost of health care

-win the support of everyone involved, from senior management to direct support staff

-assess individual and organizational needs

-develop clear and realistic goals, both for the organization and for program participants

-manage practical aspects like budgeting, gathering resources, and recruiting staff

-motivate program participants with creative activities and strategies

-evaluate program outcomes and identify areas for improvement

Complete with practical planning materials such as a "getting started" checklist, assessment tools, and a sample program timeline and budget, this highly accessible guide will help service providers ensure better healthùand better livesùfor people with disabilities.