Combating Isolation For Adults With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities

Jun 2

Social isolation and loneliness have been pervasive public health concerns in America, especially impacting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Both mental and physical health are impacted by isolation and loneliness with research indicating that it can be more harmful than smoking, increasing the risk of depression, heart disease, and premature death. While the emotional toll of isolation has been acknowledged in the broader population, adults with IDD often experience an even deeper, more persistent sense of isolation—stemming from systemic exclusion, lack of accessible opportunities, and insufficient support networks.

A Hidden Crisis

People with IDD often experience higher rates of loneliness due to environments that lack adequate inclusion. People in the general population often find connection through clubs, community centers, faith communities, and other local activities. These spaces offer natural opportunities for social engagement and a sense of belonging. However, for adults with IDD, these same settings are not always accessible to people with IDD, especially without adequate support. As a result, many individuals with IDD are left with limited opportunities to participate meaningfully in community life, leading to greater isolation and fewer chances to build lasting social connections.

Research indicates that social isolation in individuals with IDD is associated with increased mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression. A lack of everyday interaction, meaningful engagement, and community inclusion results in a pattern of inactivity and dependence. This impacts an individual’s overall health, well-being and growth. This invisible crisis is an area where more focus should be directed to shed light on ways to address this issue and mitigate loneliness.

A feature issue on loneliness and people with intellectual disabilities shares personal stories, research, and more on this topic.

Social Programs as a Solution

Structured social programs tailored for adults with IDD play a critical role in alleviating loneliness. For example, community day programs provide safe, supportive environments where individuals can build friendships, gain self-confidence, and participate in engaging activities.

Social programs are more than an antidote for loneliness—they provide a pathway for people with IDD to develop meaningful lives. Our Place of New Trier Township is a social support program that provides innovative programs for over 120 individuals with IDD. These group activities help participants develop essential life and job skills, supporting them in building greater autonomy and a strong sense of contribution. Activities include going to local restaurants for community lunch, creative art projects, volunteer opportunities, and structured recreational programs that foster emotional intelligence, communication skills, and self-determination. When people with IDD have the support they need, they’re more likely to engage in their communities—supporting neighborhood businesses and giving back through volunteer work.

Studies support this holistic benefit. A 2021 study in Frontiers in Psychology found that adults with IDD who participated in community-based social and recreational programs reported greater life satisfaction and lower rates of loneliness. Importantly, these programs also contribute to a greater sense of inclusion and belonging—two factors strongly linked to long-term health and quality of life.

Invest in Social Programs

Enacting community engagement and inclusion is a practice. Investing in social programs for people with IDD is strategic. Communities thrive when all members are empowered to contribute. Inclusive programs reduce long-term care costs, increase employment, and strengthen civic bonds.

Nonprofit organizations like Our Place have been at the forefront of cultivating social opportunities. This work requires support from public and private sectors, including businesses, local governments, and philanthropists who recognize the long-term value of inclusion. Working together, we can prevent the loneliness crisis among adults with IDD. By intentionally investing in social programs, we can reduce isolation and increase inclusion. We can create spaces where adults with IDD form true friendships, learn critical skills, and live self-directed, fulfilling lives. Everyone deserves connection, purpose, and a place to belong.

This is a content was posted by Forbes EQ, contributed by Our Place.

Dr. Katie Arnold

Executive Director of Our Place of New Trier
Katie Arnold is a strong disability advocate with a sense of social justice. As Executive Director of Our Place from 2024, Katie brings more than 20 years of experience in the disability field and over 10 years of experience building and growing a national disability nonprofit organization. Prior to her leadership of Our Place, Katie was a faculty member in the Department of Disability and Human Development at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). At UIC Katie also served as the Director of Stakeholder Engagement for the Institute on Disability and Human Development, taught graduate and undergraduate courses, and conducted inclusive research on family support, future planning, and self-determination of people with IDD. A distinguished expert in her field, she is a highly sought-after speaker who has presented at more than 100 national conferences. She has also authored numerous publications, including 29 articles in peer-reviewed journals. In addition to her work at UIC, Katie served from 2012-22 as the founding Executive Director of the Sibling Leadership Network (SLN), a national nonprofit that support siblings of people with disabilities across the life course. Grounding her work in her previous experience living in L'Arche, a community based on mutual relationships between people with and without disabilities, Katie truly immerses herself in the disability community to listen deeply, learn from others, and guide her work. Katie has a long commitment to community education and information dissemination, and she is a bridge builder between academia and the community. Growing up with her sister with intellectual disabilities shaped Katie’s worldview and influenced her career path. Katie lives in Oak Park with her husband, Gary, who is a disability advocate, and their son with developmental disabilities.

https://www.ourplaceofnewtrier.org/katie-arnold