Support of LGBTQ+ People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Group Homes

Abstract

Background: Researchers indicate that the staff of group homes do not support LGBTQ+ individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) in expressing their sexuality or acknowledging their sexual orientation. Objective: The project’s purpose is to develop staff education about support strategies for ID/DD individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ in group homes to reduce adverse behavioral issues. Methods: This is a quality improvement initiative. Data were collected from a convenience sample of the target population via post-workshop surveys adapted from the Knowledge about Homosexuality Questionnaire, pre-and-post community inclusion forms, review of agency’s records and environment, and pre-and-post adverse behaviors of the study cohort. The convenience sample size is limited to 25 direct participants and 32 indirect charts. Results: Data were analyzed by content analysis and the use of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) - Spearman’s rho, paired-sample t-test, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Findings show that staff education and support would reduce adverse behavioral issues among the cohort. Limitations: This project is limited to a convenience sample of only one agency in New York City that provides services to Intellectual Disability and Developmental Disability (ID/DD) individuals who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning (LGBTQ+). Survey questions did not include specific questions about lesbians, transgender people, asexuals, pansexuals, and intersex. Only one question mentions bisexuality. Conclusion: There is a critical need to modify the agency’s protocols, forms, cultural competency training, environment, and policies to emphasize the cohort’s needs using interventions to diminish minority stress and improve positive psychology (PERMA model). Nursing education should include an in-depth curriculum on the intersection between LGBTQ+ and ID/DD populations.