Members of the Scottish Learning Disabilities Observatory team presented at the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IASSIDD) Health Special Interest Group conference in Belfast this month. This conference focussed on exploring ideas for translating evidence into practice, in order to improve the health of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Dr Lisa O’Leary spoke about how the Scottish Learning Disabilities Observatory team are addressing social determinants of health for people with intellectual disabilities in Scotland. This presentation also focussed on how the observatory is adopting a leadership role in translating evidence into policy and practice.

Professor Anna Cooper presented research findings on the prevalence of mental health problems in people with intellectual disabilities in Scotland, and pointed to the importance of addressing mental health problems for this population. 

We also presented posters illustrating our work Kirsty Dunn presented initial findings from her PhD study focussed on the mental health of fathers caring for their son or daughter with intellectual disabilities. Dr Lisa O’Leary presented two posters. The first poster illustrated findings from two systematic reviews focused on the life expectancy and causes of death of people with intellectual disabilities and people with Down Syndrome.  The second poster illustrated findings from a qualitative study that explored organisational influences on health promotion for people with intellectual disabilities in supported living and residential settings. 

We also participated in several workshops focussed on mortality, obesity, mental health, health care access and supportive environments for people with intellectual disabilities.  We had the opportunity to network and share our ideas about addressing the health inequalities experienced by people with intellectual disabilities in these workshops.

For more information about the work of the Scottish Learning Disabilities Observatory please visit:  SLDO

First published: 27 June 2017

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