The Marie Keating Foundation has announced the launch of a groundbreaking initiative called Healthy Living For Life aimed at enhancing equitable access to cancer prevention information and screening for adults with intellectual disabilities.
More than 100 people with intellectual disabilities participated in the year-long project which included the creation of user-friendly cancer education materials, adapted from the Foundation’s existing cancer awareness tools.
A key milestone was the official launch of Healthy Living for Life which is an easy-to-read booklet focused on cancer prevention, healthy lifestyle habits and the national cancer screening services available.
The resource aims to deliver accessible, engaging and empowering health information tailored specifically for adults with intellectual disabilities.
Marie Keating Foundation Director of Nursing Services, Helen Forristal, said the event marks an important moment to ensure inclusive, person-centred cancer care.
“By working directly with people with intellectual disabilities in developing these materials, we are creating real, lasting change in how health information is delivered and understood. With these resources, we hope to help users learn more about how to take care of their health,” she said.
Service user from St John of God’s in Tralee Ian Coleman-Horgan said: “I loved the event. It was so much fun and I love the Easy Reads – they are easy to understand.”
The resources will now be distributed to individuals, families, healthcare professionals and intellectual disability supports groups and Health Action Groups. It will also be freely available on the Foundation’s website, www.mariekeating.ie.
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