Development of a Mental Health Literacy and Self-Management Resource for People with Mild to Moderate Intellectual Disability

Isaac Compton

Impact

  • Identified key considerations for structuring mental health resources tailored to individuals with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities (ID), including pacing, accessibility, and use of visuals.

  • Highlighted the potential of slideshow-based education, supported by hands-on tools like worksheets, to enhance engagement and knowledge retention in this population.

  • Informed future iterations of the resource that are expected to increase self-efficacy and autonomy in managing mental health.

  • Set the foundation for future dissemination through partner organizations, with potential for broader regional and national uptake following refinement.

  • Prince Edward Island

  • Studentship

  • Holland College

  • Tremploy Inc.

  • Mitacs

  • 2022-2023

  • Mental Health Literacy

  • People With Disabilities

About the Project

This project aimed to create a mental health resource accessible to individuals with mild to moderate ID, with a focus on improving mental health literacy and providing practical strategies to address common mental health concerns.

Methodology

The team conducted a literature review, environmental scan, and pre-surveys with members of the target population to inform the content framework. A slideshow-based resource was developed and iteratively refined based on feedback from key informants familiar with the population. The resource was then piloted with a small group, and pre/post-surveys were used to assess baseline and immediate post-intervention mental health knowledge.

Findings

  • Pre- and post-survey data showed no significant measurable change in mental health literacy knowledge among participants. This outcome was interpreted in the context of the session's intensity and volume of content delivered in a limited time frame.

  • Qualitative feedback and key informant insights indicated that the session length, cognitive load, and lack of repetition may have limited retention.

  • Observational notes during the pilot suggested that participants were engaged but may have benefited from 2–3 shorter sessions with reinforcement strategies, such as built-in repetition and interactive worksheets.

  • The pilot also validated the feasibility of slideshow-based delivery when paired with simple visuals and appropriate pacing for the target population.

Project Outreach

The project has not yet expanded beyond its initial setting. However, there are concrete plans to scale the refined resource across allied organizations regionally, with long-term potential for national dissemination through sister agencies supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Resources Created

  • A slideshow-based mental health literacy resource tailored to individuals with mild to moderate ID (pilot version).

  • Pre- and post-surveys designed to assess mental health knowledge and strategy use.

  • An article is in development for future publication once the refined version of the resource has been tested.