Research Study on the Social Inclusion of Older Adults with IDD in Leisure Groups
Do you know an older person with IDD who is in a mainstream leisure group?
About the study
The Institute on Community Integration’s Research and Training Center on Community Living at the University of Minnesota is conducting a research study about the social inclusion of older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in mainstream leisure groups. Leisure groups may include religious, hobby, arts, crafts, gardening, singing, walking, dancing, exercise, sports, games, volunteering, social, or senior groups.
In this study, older adults with IDD will talk about their group in an interview, have a researcher observe their group, and then meet to make sure the researcher understood everything correctly. Participants may have someone support them throughout the study. The goal of this study is to learn about how older adults with IDD join and participate in leisure groups in the community.
Who is eligible?
Adults with IDD from Minnesota who are 45 or older, are or have been employed, and who participate in a mainstream leisure group are eligible. Leisure groups may include religious, hobby, arts, crafts, gardening, singing, walking, dancing, exercise, sports, games, volunteering, social, or senior groups. Mainstream groups are set up for the general public, not specifically for people with disabilities, and may include people with specific interests or ages.
What will the participant do?
If someone agrees to be in this study, a researcher will ask the participant questions about their leisure group in an interview. The researcher will ask the participant about how they joined, what happens, what was helpful or difficult, and what they think about the group. The participant may have someone with them during the interview if they like. The participant may also bring photos or flyers to help them talk about the group.
Then, the researcher will meet the participant at their leisure group to watch what happens. This will help the researcher better understand what the participant does.
After that, the participant will meet with the researcher again to make sure the researcher has everything right. The researcher will ask for more information if he/she still has questions. Then, the researcher will read his/her notes to the participant and ask if the notes are right or if there is something that needs to change.
What are the benefits of being in the study?
- The participant will get to show and tell someone about the leisure group they enjoy. After they are done, the participant will also get a story from us about their participation in the group.
- What we learn from this study will help others understand how to support people with disabilities to join leisure groups they enjoy. The participant may feel good to know they are helping others.
- Participants who complete the interview, are observed at their group, and make sure the researcher has everything correct will get a $75 gift card.
What are the risks of being in the study?
Talking about the challenging parts of the group may feel uncomfortable or make someone sad. Some people may feel nervous about having someone watch them at their leisure group. Participants may have someone support them in the interview, at their leisure group, and at the last meeting where they are making sure the researcher has everything right.
If you’d like to take part:
Please contact Roger Stancliffe at stan0185@umn.edu or Sarah Hall at hall1964@umn.edu from the University of Minnesota.