HA-ID was established as an academic collaboration center in 2006 in order to contribute to the health care of people with intellectual disabilities by conducting academic research. HA-ID serves a pioneering role in focusing on a target group that is at a disadvantage when it comes to the scientific foundation of healthcare. An unfair and underprivileged position, particularly when you consider that this is the very target group that has numerous and complex health issues.
HA-ID forges a link between theory and practice so that researchers and care professionals can work together closely. In this way research questions can be designed so that they adhere to a national review of health issues that practitioners have experienced. HA-ID studies are methodologically robust and qualitative in nature.
The first major HA-ID study, which was led by Prof. Heleen Evenhuis, showed that physical fitness, the existence of chronic diseases, and the medication use of 50-year-olds with intellectual disabilities is comparable to those over 75 years of age in the general population. Therefore, it has become more apparent that in order to make actual improvement in one’s health, it is necessary to address the problem much earlier, before the client turns 50.
The HA-ID studies provide information, tools, and interventions, with particular attention being paid to the implementation that follows. HA-ID has generated a wealth of information over the years. The effect of light therapy on depression has been studied and new exercise programs have been developed for clients. Progress has been made on swallowing disorders, the use of medication, and problems. New tools and diagnostic processes have been developed for practitioners, including VB fitscan, the ADESS (Anxiety, Depression and Mood Scale), and the use of the Actiwatch and Actigraph. Together, this has contributed to a greater awareness in the medical field and it has given professional caregivers more tools to employ, thus helping them to take a step further in improving their clients’ health each day.
To pursue our goal of ‘eliminating any constraints regarding health’ over the long term, HA-ID looks beyond today’s boundaries. HA-ID’s aim is to scale up its reach by increasing knowledge dissemination nationally and internationally. This can be accomplished by investing in better education and by translating results into policy more effectively.
