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Presentation
ID-DeStress: Mental Wellness for Adults with Extensive Disabilities
11/2025
Abstract
Introduction: Capstone Adaptive Learning & Therapy Centers, Inc. (CALT) group home provides care for adults with extensive intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The identified problem was mental health challenges in this population are often misinterpreted due to limited communication and nontraditional symptom presentation. Research shows that sensory and calming interventions can reduce distress, improve coping, and foster emotional regulation. Aims: The purpose of this project is to provide adults with extensive IDD a sensory toolkit to promote recognition, calming, and emotional regulation. The aim is to provide CALT with one sensory toolkit containing five calming, disability friendly items to support group home residents in practicing self soothing and managing emotions by December 2025. Methods: Two evidence based deliverables were created: (1) Educational Binder: Includes nontraditional signs of depression and anxiety, de-escalation tips, and personalized resident preference pages from staff and resident interviews; and (2) Sensory Toolkit. Results: The group presented to eight residents and staff at Burgess. Residents showed a decrease in agitation and increased positive engagement after with the implementation of the calming playlist and sensory items. The site plans to place the profiles in the resident bedrooms to guide new staff. Conclusions: The project addressed the often unnoticed mental health challenges in adults with extensive disabilities through education and sensory based support. Residents benefited from accessible, calming activities that encouraged self regulation and reduced agitation. The project is sustainable and adaptable, providing a foundation Burgess Group Home can continue to build on to promote long term mental wellness.
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Details
- Title
- ID-DeStress: Mental Wellness for Adults with Extensive Disabilities
- Resource Type
- Presentation
- Contributors
- Brenda C Mutchler (Faculty Mentor) - University of West Florida, Usha Kundu, MD College of HealthSallie J Shipman (Faculty Mentor) - University of West Florida, Usha Kundu, MD College of Health
- Copyright
- © the authors
- Identifiers
- 99381544180406600
- Academic Unit
- School of Nursing; Usha Kundu, MD College of Health; Population Health
- Language
- English