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May 9, 2026Open Access

Client-Centered Day Programming for Adults with IDD at Great Prospects

Key Points

The study aims to assess the needs and challenges of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in day programs and develop a program to enhance engagement.
Mixed methods research design applied in day programs for IDD
Needs assessment survey completed by 21 young adults with IDD and evaluation survey by 3 staff members
Used observational methods and Systems Usability Scale for feedback
Highest engagement reported during sensory-rich and movement-based activities
Participants expressed sensory regulation challenges and a desire for social and emotional skill-building
Staff rated OT-designed programming as highly satisfactory with strong relevance to participants’ needs

Abstract

Importance: Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often attend day programs after aging out or graduating from school-based services. Although these programs provide daily structure and social opportunities, occupational therapists remain underutilized despite their expertise in supporting participation and engagement. Objectives: (1) Assess needs, interests, and challenges of adults with IDD. (2) Develop program modules aligned with findings. (3) Evaluate staff perceptions of the modules. Design: Mixed methods applied research design Setting: Day programs for individuals with IDD served as sites for observation and survey recruitment. Participants: Young adults with IDD completed the needs assessment survey (n=21). Great Prospects staff completed the evaluation survey (n=3). Outcomes and Measures: The needs assessment included a survey assessing preferences, perceived needs, and sensory challenges, along with informal observations documenting engagement patterns and sensory-related behaviors. Program evaluation used a modified Systems Usability Scale with open-ended questions to assess perceived usability, satisfaction, relevance, anticipated effectiveness, and OT value. Results: Survey and observational data indicated highest engagement during sensory-rich and movement-based activities. Participants reported sensory regulation challenges and a desire for social and emotional skill-building. Staff rated the OT-designed programming as highly satisfactory, with “good” usability, strong relevance to participants’ needs, and OT value in supporting interaction and engagement. Conclusion and Relevance: Adults with IDD have regulation challenges, social participation barriers, and engagement preferences that complicate program development. OT- designed programming has the potential to promote engagement and support participation by addressing sensory needs, fostering social interaction, and providing structured, meaningful activities.

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