The Intellectual Disability Health Capability Framework is a crucial resource for psychologists and other health professionals. It aims to equip them with the necessary core capabilities to provide high-quality health care to individuals with intellectual disabilities. Those with intellectual disabilities typically have significant barriers to healthcare and poorer health outcomes, including higher rates of morbidity and preventable deaths. Improved education and training have been recommended, and this capability framework has been devised to assist with this aim.
The framework outlines essential attributes and skills required when working with people with intellectual disabilities. It emphasises the importance of respect, inclusivity, and person-centred care. Psychologists should familiarise themselves with the framework’s principles and guidelines.
All health professionals, including psychologists, need to develop further competencies related to intellectual disability health. These include understanding the unique health needs of this population, effective communication, and adapting interventions to individual circumstances. By integrating the principles of the Intellectual Disability Health Capability Framework, psychologists can contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate health system for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Another initiative to be aware of for clients with intellectual disability is that they are eligible for government-funded free health checks each year. You can use a free evidence-based tool called the Comprehensive Health Assessment Program (CHAP) to support the annual health assessment. The CHAP promotes collaboration between the person with intellectual disability, their supporter or carer, and their family doctor or GP. Free versions of the CHAP are available for adults and young people aged 12 to 18 years. There is strong evidence that these assessments are an effective way to identify unmet health needs in people with intellectual disabilities.
Further information is available here.