Background:
Women with intellectual disabilities (ID) face unique challenges during menopause. Many have limited access to accessible health information, reduced opportunities to discuss bodily changes, and may experience difficulties identifying or communicating symptoms such as hot flushes, sleep disturbance, mood changes, or pain. Research highlights that menopause in women with ID is often overlooked or misunderstood, leading to unmet health needs, stress, and reduced quality of life. There is also a lack of clear, accessible, easy-read resources tailored specifically to their communication and cognitive needs.
Aim:
This project aims to develop a visually accessible, evidence-based infographic for women with ID to help them understand menopause, recognise their own symptoms, and know when and how to seek support. The infographic will be designed for use in residential services, day programmes, and health education settings.
Objectives:
To conduct a structured review of research literature, policies, and easy-read resources related to menopause in women with ID.
To identify the most common information gaps affecting women with ID during menopause.
To translate research findings into accessible health information using person-centred communication principles.
To design and refine an infographic that explains:
what menopause is,
common symptoms,
emotional and physical changes,
ways to support comfort and wellbeing,
when to ask for help.
Expected Outcomes:
The project will produce an accessible infographic specifically tailored to the needs of women with ID. This resource is expected to empower women by improving understanding, supporting self-expression, reducing anxiety through knowledge, and promoting autonomy in health decisions.
Significance:
By creating a tool designed with the needs of women with ID in mind, this project addresses a major health information gap and supports improved wellbeing, dignity, and health equity.