Accommodating Developmental Disabilities in the Social Determinants of Health:: A Brief Inquiry into the Applicability of Metrics to the Lives of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities in Delaware

This commentary outlines the methods and findings of a preliminary study examining the fitness of the Social Determinants of Health in their current conceptualizations for accommodating the specific and general experiences of individuals with developmental disabilities and suggests recommendations for both additional research and policy interventions. The study is based on research conducted with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in Delaware and other stakeholders working in this community. There is currently extensive literature concerning the validity and importance of including the social determinants of health in healthcare decision-making, but very little research exists around the intersection of developmental disabilities and these determinants. This commentary provides additional detail and added emphasis to calls previously made in this Journal to align social determinants with developmental disabilities and the importance of considering the SDOH in policy measures aimed at supporting this population. The ultimate aim of the work presented here is to explore how the State’s interest in putting the SDOH to work generally can be aligned to accommodate the needs and interests of individuals with I/DD and to identify future research and policy interventions in support of these efforts.