Podcasts about Idd

This IDD Perspectives webinar episode features Dr. M. Dian Chin Kit-Wells, a board-certified pediatric dentist and president of the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry. The discussion centers on the most common dental health concerns affecting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Topics include the systemic importance of oral health, gum disease, halitosis, tongue abnormalities, enamel erosion, and bruxism. The conversation emphasizes the connection between oral and overall health, the impact of medications, and the role of caregivers in maintaining dental hygiene. Practical advice is offered on prevention strategies, including brushing, flossing, dietary choices, and the use of baking soda. This episode also highlights resources and organizations that support dental care for people with IDD, advocating for interdisciplinary collaboration and education. You can find the free handout mentioned during the webinar at https://replacingrisk.com/webinars/. All webinar handouts are located at the bottom of the page.

Rebecca Enders discusses supports and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Rebecca, a board-certified case manager and director of case management at Optimal Health Care in Maryland, outlines the importance of coordinated services, including Medicaid waivers, community integration, and support across the lifespan. Having transitioned from a 15-year career in education, Rebecca found renewed purpose in case management, eventually developing a data-driven acuity model called Atlas Acuity. This system assesses client needs using weighted metrics to calculate an acuity score, guiding the assignment of caseloads and preventing case manager burnout. Her approach emphasizes time allocation and service equity, empowering professionals to deliver meaningful care while sustaining well-being and effectiveness within the field.

Carol Price Guthrie has spent over three decades working in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), beginning as a direct support professional in Tennessee. Her career journey includes roles in case management, program development, and managed care, with experience founding her own case management agency and contributing to projects at UnitedHealthcare. Currently, she serves as Senior Director of Waiver and Program Development at StationMD, a telehealth company specializing in medical services for individuals with IDD. Guthrie is deeply committed to health equity, advocating for specialized, ongoing training and personalized support that enables people with IDD to access community-based services and live with dignity and independence.

When it comes to supporting people with intellectual/developmental disabilities, particularly with autism, it's important to work hard to find the right path. A common therapy that many families and individuals utilize, ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) can be a very helpful tool in ensuring safety and success in community spaces.   However, is it the best choice (or only choice) to help someone with IDD use their voice and be their authentic selves in the world?   In this episode, Sarah Grazier, Executive Director of the Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council, joins THINK+change to discuss the importance of community integration and how we can support individuals with IDD in a variety of ways!

FLORESVILLE — The engines were loud, the crowd was louder, and the purpose was powerful. On June 28, Stomping Ground Ventures Inc. hosted its inaugural lawnmower races event at the Scott Gleeson Roping Arena behind the Floresville Event Center. This one-of-a-kind fundraiser brought high-octane fun to support inclusive opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental differences (IDD). Community members cheered on dozens of racers from the Lone Star Mower Racing Association (L.S.M.R.A.), riding creatively modified lawnmowers in a night filled with excitement, laughter, and purpose. The event featured timed heats in the various classes; the evening kicked off with a...Article Link

Jean Phelps, CEO of Encompass Human Services, passionately advocates for expanding awareness and accessibility in services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her organization offers a wide range of supports, including residential, day, employment, and brain injury services, all designed to integrate individuals meaningfully into their communities. Jean emphasizes that the core qualifications for becoming a direct support professional are the everyday skills people use to live their own lives, coupled with a genuine spirit and desire to help others. She believes career growth within the field should be nurtured and supported, even if that means mentoring someone who eventually leaves for a leadership role elsewhere. Through her own story—beginning with a transformative summer camp experience—Jean illustrates the deep personal and professional fulfillment found in this field and highlights the critical need for grace, individual empowerment, and space to learn through missteps.

In the next episode of Stop the Stigma, we sit down with Kristi Taylor, executive director of the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health (JCMH). Formed by a joint order of the Texas Supreme Court and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in 2018, the commission's mission is to develop, implement, and coordinate policies to improve courts' interactions with individuals with mental health needs, substance use disorders, and intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD).There are 30 adult mental health courts and nine juvenile mental health courts in Texas: https://www.texasjcmh.gov/programs-and-initiatives/mental-health-courts/Please check out these important tools and resources from the commission:JCMH Bench Books - https://www.texasjcmh.gov/publications/bench-books-code-book/JCMH Summit - https://www.texasjcmh.gov/programs-and-initiatives/conferences-meetings/summit/2025-jcmh-summit/JCMH Treatment Courts Collaborative - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_g4xkl42v3gTBRI - https://child.tcu.edu/about-us/tbri/#sthash.sWJPGGbM.dpbsHandle with Care Program - https://minaretfoundation.com/handle-with-care-texas-toolkit/Yolanda Lewis/Dr. Jule Kaplow presentation - https://youtu.be/Bq7AD20V7ckChristi Center - https://youtu.be/Bq7AD20V7ckWatch and subscribe on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zbQ7QHiDFwI

IDD 181 Executive Director of Schools- Kari Ross and the district's Director of Teaching and Learning, Christina Lundgren discuss summer school, a change to Kinder-camp and what back to school will be looking like for Brainerd Public Schools.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Quillo Pod, hosts Cynthia Morraz and John Dickerson explore whether joy has a price tag, particularly for individuals in the IDD. They discuss how budgets should serve as pathways to joy rather than constraints, sharing examples of finding happiness through community connections and natural supports. The conversation highlights how meaningful activities don't always require significant funding, emphasizing the importance of understanding what truly brings joy to individuals with disabilities beyond just service units and budget allocations.   Episode Transcript  Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

Dr. Susan Haverkamp, featured on the IDD Health Matters podcast, discusses her work on improving health equity for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). She highlights the lack of reliable national health data due to insufficient identification methods and advocates for simple survey questions to address this gap. Haverkamp also shares her role in creating core healthcare competencies through a Delphi study, stressing the importance of understanding the social model of disability, improving clinician communication and clinical skills, and recognizing implicit biases. She emphasizes recent progress in medical education, growing community-engaged research, and the need to mentor future healthcare providers. Her final advice includes listening to people with IDD, investing in students, and addressing mental health vulnerabilities within the IDD population.

It's a Raspberry Pi flavored show, with PiBoot improvements, and a really slick looking Raspberry Pi Laptop from Argon Fourty. System76 isn't to be left out with a new powerhouse laptop of their own. There's AMD Raytracing improvements, an acquisition in the Processor space, and an exciting new OBS release. For command line tips we talk about Proxmox scripting, ProtonPlus, and the ldd tool for Listing Dynamic Dependencies. You can find the full show notes at http://bit.ly/44EEdnP and enjoy! Host: Jonathan Bennett Co-Hosts: Rob Campbell and Jeff Massie Download or subscribe to Untitled Linux Show at https://twit.tv/shows/untitled-linux-show Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Die Themen im heutigen Versicherungsfunk Update sind: Allianz-Studie: Klimaneutraler Wohnraum kostet Billionen – bringt aber auch Jobs Der Gebäudesektor verursacht rund 14 % der CO₂-Emissionen in Deutschland. Laut einer neuen Studie von Allianz und Allianz Trade sind bis 2050 allein im deutschen Wohnungsmarkt Investitionen von 1,4 Billionen EUR nötig, um die Klimaziele zu erreichen. Der Umbau hin zu klimaneutralen Immobilien dürfte Immobilienpreise moderat steigen lassen – langfristig winken jedoch zusätzliche Wertschöpfung in Billionenhöhe und über 100.000 neue Jobs. Voraussetzung sind höhere CO₂-Preise, gezielte Förderung und bessere politische Rahmenbedingungen. Postbank Wohnatlas 2025: Kaufbelastung sinkt, Mietbelastung steigt Die Kaufpreise für Wohnimmobilien gingen 2024 leicht zurück, während die Mieten erneut anzogen. Laut Postbank Wohnatlas sank die Einkommensbelastung für Käufer auf durchschnittlich 18,3 % – bei Mietern stieg sie auf 14,1 %. Besonders stark belastet: Haushalte in Großstädten wie Berlin, München oder Hamburg. In 56 Regionen müssen Käufer mindestens 25 % ihres Einkommens für laufende Kreditraten aufbringen. Gleichzeitig gibt es zahlreiche ländliche Regionen, in denen Kaufen günstiger ist als Mieten – vor allem in Ostdeutschland. DEVK bringt flexible Fondsrente für Privat- und Betriebsrente Mit der „DEVK-Rente ZukunftPlus“ bietet die DEVK eine neue fondsgebundene Rentenversicherung mit flexibler Garantiekomponente an. Kunden können ihr Vorsorgeprodukt individuell gestalten – mit wählbarem Garantieniveau, freier Fondswahl und vielen Anpassungsmöglichkeiten. Die Lösung richtet sich an Privatpersonen und Unternehmen gleichermaßen. Der Versicherer will damit sein Neugeschäft stärken und besonders in der Verkehrsbranche punkten. Deurag steigert Jahresüberschuss deutlich und überzeugt in Ratings Die Deurag Rechtsschutzversicherung hat 2024 einen Jahresüberschuss von 10,3 Mio. EUR erzielt – ein Plus von über 40 % gegenüber dem Vorjahr. Auch bei Schadenquote (67,0 %) und Combined Ratio (96,8 %) konnte sich der Versicherer verbessern. Neue Tarife wie der JurChoice Gewerbe-Rechtsschutz erhielten Bestnoten von Franke & Bornberg sowie ASCORE. Zudem überzeugten Deurag und Allrecht erneut bei Kundenzufriedenheit und Makler-Champion-Auszeichnungen. Reiseschutz für Mensch und Tier: Cleos Welt bringt neuen Urlaubstarif Pünktlich zur Ferienzeit startet Cleos Welt – die Digitalmarke der Uelzener Versicherung – einen speziellen Reiseschutz für Hunde- und Katzenbesitzer. Der neue Tarif kombiniert Reiserücktritt, Reiseabbruch und Reisekrankenversicherung – sowohl für Reisen mit als auch ohne Haustier. Abgedeckt sind unter anderem Tierarztkosten, Telemedizin, Such- und Bergungskosten sowie Stornogebühren bei Krankheit oder Tod des Tieres. Der Abschluss ist digital möglich, ab 47,99 EUR pro Reise oder als Jahrespolice ab 56,99 EUR. BWV startet kostenlose Nachhaltigkeits-Weiterbildung für Ausbilder Mit dem Projekt „NaVeBb – Nachhaltigkeit in Versicherungs- und Beratungsberufen“ bietet der BWV Bildungsverband ab sofort kostenlose Weiterbildungsbausteine für Ausbilder und Prüfer im Beruf Kaufmann für Versicherungen und Finanzanlagen an. Die Module vermitteln Grundlagen nachhaltiger Bildung, didaktische Umsetzung im Ausbildungsalltag und Impulse für die Prüfungspraxis. Alle Inhalte sind IDD-anrechenbar und wurden mit Branchenpartnern entwickelt.

Dans cet épisode, Jeane reçoit Camille Bouvot-Duval, autrice, compositrice, journaliste et podcasteuse. Ensemble, elles explorent les imaginaires poétiques et engagés qui traversent l'œuvre de Camille, et notamment Iddù, un album jeunesse éco-féministe publié aux éditions La Déferlante. Cet ouvrage sensible raconte l'histoire de Dodu, un enfant élevé par quatre femmes sur une île volcanique. Le conte de Camille interroge notre rapport à la nature, aux émotions et au collectif.Au fil de l'échange, Camille revient sur son cheminement personnel, ses lectures fondatrices et la manière dont l'art devient un outil de transformation intime et politique. Elle évoque également la puissance du collectif, les récits non dominants et la place qu'elle souhaite donner à la voix des enfants dans la construction d'un avenir plus juste et plus doux.Ressources complémentaires :• Camillie Bouvot-Duval : https://www.instagram.com/wsh_cami/• Les éditions La Déferlante : https://revueladeferlante.fr/Ressources mentionnées dans l'épisode :• Iddù, album jeunesse de Camille Bouvot-Duval & Léa Djeziri (Éditions La Déferlante) : https://revueladeferlante.fr/iddu/• Judith Butler, Trouble dans le genre : https://www.librairie-des-femmes.fr/livre/9782707150189-trouble-dans-le-genre-le-feminisme-et-la-subversion-de-l-identite-judith-butler/• Isabelle Stengers, Résister au désastre : https://www.librairie-gallimard.com/livre/9782918490920-resister-au-desastre-isabelle-stengers/• Léa Rivière, L'odeur des pierres mouillées : https://www.librairie-des-femmes.fr/livre/9791095630647-l-odeur-des-pierres-mouillees-lea-riviere/• Ed Yong, Un monde immense : https://www.editionslesliensquiliberent.fr/livre-Un_monde_immense-9791020924704-1-1-0-1.html• Philippe Descola & Alessandro Pignocchi, Ethnographie des mondes à venir : https://www.seuil.com/ouvrage/ethnographies-des-mondes-a-venir-philippe-descola/9782021473018• Vinciane Despret, Autobiographie d'un poulpe : https://www.librairie-des-femmes.fr/livre/9782330147631-autobiographie-d-un-poulpe-et-autres-recits-d-anticipation-vinciane-despret/Souvenirs de jeunesse : Claude Ponti Max & Lili Pef Basilic est un podcast indépendant dédié à l'écologie et aux initiatives positives.Depuis 2017, Jeane Clesse tend le micro à celles et ceux qui façonnent un monde plus durable et plus résilient. Chaque semaine, un nouvel épisode pour inspirer, questionner et imaginer ensemble des futurs désirables.Distribué par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

In this insightful episode, Dr. Tara Starwalt welcomes Rachael Jones to discuss the vital role of case managers in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Rachael shares her journey and the importance of person-centered care, autonomy, and advocacy in social work. The conversation also highlights the wide range of services New Vista provides to individuals and families across 17 counties in Central Kentucky.Presented by: New Vista, Central Kentucky's Community Mental Health CenterHost: Dr. Tara Starwalt, Director of New Vista's Regional Prevention CenterGuest: Rachael Jones, Director of Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD)Community-Based Operations at New VistaFind out more about New Vista at newvista.org or by calling our 24-Hour Helpline1.800.928.8000

In this episode of the IDD Health Matters podcast, Dr. Craig Escudé interviews Sharon Gomez, a passionate advocate and leader in the field of intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) services. Sharon shares her lifelong dedication to supporting individuals with IDD, tracing her journey from youth volunteerism with The Arc to executive leadership roles, including at Evergreen Life Services. She discusses the impact of landmark legal cases like the Gary W. lawsuit on improving community-based care and highlights ongoing challenges in healthcare access for people with complex medical needs. Sharon emphasizes the importance of properly trained healthcare professionals, the vital role of frontline staff, and the power of community in promoting equity and quality of life. The conversation also touches on the value of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD), professional growth within the field, and the human side of health advocacy. This episode was recorded before the passing of IntellectAbility founder, Karen Green McGowan, who is mentioned in this episode.

The Genuine Cup is expanding to 40 teams for their 2025 competition involving athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilitiesThe Genuine Foundation's Ana Torras drops by to talk about the tournament, it's growth from 2024 to this season- set for Rice University at the end of July- and what it means to have the tournament in place for inclusion

In this episode of IDD Health Matters, host Dr. Craig Escudé interviews A.J. Forster, a professional with over a decade of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Forster shares his journey from working in finance to becoming passionate about serving the IDD population through direct support and leadership roles. Now at Tarrytown Pharmacy, he helps streamline medication services for IDD providers, aiming to relieve the burden on nurses and staff by coordinating refills, prior authorizations, and emergency prescription needs. He emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary teams, especially in managing psychotropic medications with regular reviews to avoid unnecessary treatments and reduce side effects. Forster also highlights the value of direct support professionals, advocating for better pay and recognition, and underscores the need for emergency preparedness across care systems. Throughout, the conversation spotlights collaboration, proactive care, and a mission-driven approach to improving the lives of people with IDD.

In this week's episode, John and Cynthia are joined by Janet Capetty to discuss the impact of wellness in the IDD community. Resources mentioned in the episode: To learn more about Club Wellness Training, visit clubwellnesstraining.com Episode Transcript Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com  

In this insightful episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escudé is joined by nurse educator Michael Sigelman, who brings a wealth of experience and passion to improving healthcare practices for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Michael shares how his early experiences shaped his career and how he now plays a crucial role in training registered nurses and direct support professionals across his state. Together, they discuss the importance of structured nurse education, the value of trained medication employees (TMEs), and the essential role of accurate documentation in providing consistent and person-centered care. Michael also emphasizes the power of listening, knowing individual baselines, and taking time—three simple yet impactful practices that can vastly improve health outcomes. Through real-world examples, Michael and Dr. Escudé highlight the challenges and opportunities in achieving health equity, the significance of interprofessional collaboration, and the critical need for increased clinical training in IDD care. Whether you're a clinician, DSP, policymaker, or advocate, this episode offers actionable insights into creating a more inclusive, responsive, and informed healthcare system.

I'm joined today by two special guests to discuss an unusual and ethically complex type of organ donation – imminent death donation, or IDD. As you'll hear Thao Galvan explain in the episode, organ donation currently has three standard types: living donation, donation after brain death (a type of deceased donation in which the patient is declared brain dead, and thus legally dead), and donation after circulatory death, or DCD. In DCD, a patient who is not brain dead is removed from life support, but the heart keeps beating. If it takes the patient more than roughly 90 minutes to die, the organs may not be usable. IDD, or imminent death donation, attempts to prevent that, by retrieving non-vital organs (usually a kidney) for donation prior to the removal of life support. Thao Galvan is a transplant surgeon and professor of surgery at Baylor College of Medicine. Kathy Osterrieder is a retired financial analyst, who came to this issue after attempting, unsuccessfully, to donate the organs of her late husband, Robert Osterrieder, after making the difficult decision to remove him from life support. It is another first for the Taboo Trades podcast – the first time in over five years of recording that I've been unable to hold back the tears, as Kathy talks about what the experience was like for her family. LinksHost: Kimberly D. Krawiec, Charles O. Gregory Professor of Law, University of VirginiaGuests: Nhu Thao Nguyen Galvan, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, Associate Professor of Surgery, Baylor College of MedicineKathleen Osterrieder, Donor Family Member in Spirit, Retired Financial AnalystReading: The Difficult Ethics of Organ Donations From Living Donors, Wall St. J. (2016)Let's change the rules for organ donations — and save lives, Wash. Post (2019)OPTN, Ethical considerations of imminent death donation white paper (2016)Survey of public attitudes towards imminent death donation in the United States, Am. J. Transplant. (2020)

In this episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escudé sits down with Wesley Anderson, Director of Employment and Community Services at the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS). Live from Salt Lake City, they dive deep into the critical connection between employment and health outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Wesley discusses his work co-leading the State Employment Leadership Network, a collaborative effort with 26 U.S. states aimed at integrating employment across all levels of support systems. Learn how employment isn't just about earning a paycheck—it's a powerful social determinant of health that affects access to food, healthcare, transportation, social inclusion, and overall wellbeing. From dismantling common misconceptions about hiring people with disabilities to explaining how employers can access support services at no cost, Wesley delivers actionable insight for businesses, caregivers, and policymakers alike. He also shares his personal journey into the field and offers three powerful takeaways for anyone looking to make a difference in the IDD community. Whether you're an employer, advocate, support provider, or simply curious about how inclusive employment can shape lives, this episode will expand your understanding and inspire you to act.

In this week's podcasts, Cynthia and John have a Father's Day conversation about the evolving role of dads in the IDD community. Resources mentioned  DADS, Dr. Nassif's podcast, Ohio's father support program. Episode Transcript Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

In this powerful episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escudé welcomes Kathryn Pears, Chief Operations Officer of the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices (NTG). With over 40 years of experience in the field of dementia, Kathryn shares her personal and professional journey, beginning with her father's early-onset Alzheimer's diagnosis, and how it ultimately led her to advocate for individuals with intellectual disabilities who are aging and at risk for dementia. Kathryn discusses the groundbreaking work of the NTG, including their development of the Early Detection Screen for Dementia (NTG-EDSD)—a free, intuitive tool used nationwide to help caregivers identify subtle changes that could indicate early signs of dementia in people with IDD. She also dives into NTG's national curriculum, which has trained thousands of frontline staff, healthcare professionals, and even law enforcement on how to provide compassionate, effective care for aging individuals with IDD and dementia. From federal advocacy and workforce training to innovative partnerships in Texas aimed at improving emergency responses, Kathryn and the NTG are changing the landscape of aging and dementia care for this often-overlooked population. Tune in to learn three key takeaways from Kathryn's decades of experience: Don't assume behavioral changes equal dementia—rule out treatable conditions first. The heart of quality care is treating others the way you'd want to be treated. You don't need to be an expert—just be informed enough to advocate. Visit www.theNTG.org to access free resources, publications, and tools mentioned in this episode.

In this powerful episode of IDD Health Matters, host Dr. Craig Escudé sits down with Dr. Mike Cummings, Vice Chair of Psychiatry at the University of Buffalo School of Medicine and Medical Director for several psychiatric programs across New York State. Dr. Cummings brings a wealth of experience from leading New York's busiest psychiatric ER to developing innovative programs like START and APEC that provide person-centered psychiatric support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Together, they unpack the challenges of polypharmacy, the importance of understanding behavior as communication, and how to empower families and individuals through education and collaborative care. Dr. Cummings also shares insights into his YouTube series Coffee Talk with Mike and Janelle, which aims to demystify psychiatric care for families and caregivers in the IDD community. From crisis prevention to positive psychology, this episode is a must-listen for healthcare providers, support professionals, and anyone committed to improving the quality of mental health care for people with IDD.

Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).Lindsay Jewett is the Director of Mission Advancement for the Rochester Office of Best Buddies. In this episode we discuss why she was drawn to working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and how her personal mission has evolved over the years. We also spend time discussing the amazing work of the local, national, and international arms of this nonprofit organization.Website: https://www.bestbuddies.org/newyork/Support the show

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast Series: “A Recap of Turin 2025,” Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Shawn Ferguson, the Chief of Global Government Relations at Special Olympics , to explore the mission and impact of the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion . The Coalition is uniting global leaders, governments, and advocates to drive systemic change for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Together, they are working to create a more inclusive world through sport, education, and social integration. Shawn takes us behind the scenes of this important global initiative, discussing its origin, growth, and the key milestones in the Coalition's journey. We learn about the significance of the Coalition's gathering during the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy, and how it has elevated the mission of inclusion on the world stage. Through Unified Schools® and Unified Sports®, the Coalition is transforming classrooms and communities, making inclusive education and social cohesion a reality. Shawn shares powerful success stories, highlights the importance of financial investment in sustainable change, and explains how public-private partnerships are creating long-term solutions for individuals with IDD. As the Coalition expands, Shawn outlines the challenges they face, how they measure success, and the future of inclusive education and systemic change. He also encourages individuals and organizations to get involved and make a difference. If you're passionate about inclusion and want to learn how we can all contribute to a world where individuals with intellectual disabilities are celebrated and respected, this episode is for you! Topics Covered in This Episode: What is the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion? The significance of the Coalition's gathering during the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy. Key milestones and global impact of the Coalition. The role of governments, multilateral organizations, civil society, and the private sector in driving inclusion. Success stories and transformative examples from the Coalition's work. The importance of Unified Schools® and Unified Sports® in fostering inclusion. How financial investments are helping to make inclusive education a tangible reality. The role of public-private partnerships in driving sustainable change. Overcoming challenges in advancing systemic change for people with IDD. How the Coalition measures success and evaluates its impact. The future of the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion and how you can get involved. Listen now to hear Shawn's insights on this transformative global initiative and how you can be part of creating lasting change for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Episode 770 ShowNotes & Links: SpecialChronicles.com/Podcast770

In this episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escudé is joined by Ricardo Ortega and Babar Nawaz of iCare Manager—an innovative electronic health record (EHR) company revolutionizing care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Together, they explore how technology can improve efficiency, documentation, and most importantly, the quality of care delivered by providers across 25 states and counting. Ricardo and Babar share their insights into the unique challenges of healthcare in the IDD field, such as state-specific compliance, staffing shortages, and underfunding. Learn how iCare Manager was built from the ground up—with direct input from DSPs, nurses, coordinators, and executives—to create a one-stop, user-friendly solution that empowers providers to spend more time supporting individuals and less time on paperwork. The conversation also looks ahead to the future of healthcare technology, highlighting the exciting (and sometimes scary!) potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in automating assessments, generating personalized care plans, and enhancing service delivery—all while preserving the vital human touch. Topics include: The origin and mission of iCare Manager Addressing compliance across state systems EHR systems built by providers, for providers How AI can improve outcomes and efficiency The importance of person-centered planning and funding in the IDD space Whether you're a provider, administrator, or simply passionate about inclusive healthcare, this episode offers powerful insight into how technology and compassion can go hand-in-hand to support people with IDD.

Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes registered dietician Jackie Silver, who specializes in nutrition for neurodivergent people. They discuss the unique challenges faced by the neurodiversity community, including sensory differences, interoception, and executive functioning barriers that complicate meal planning and nutrition. They also talk about practical strategies to support the neurodivergent people in your life with making good dietary choices. They identify and analyze disordered eating patterns, and discuss the significance of self-compassion in the journey towards better nutrition. TAKEAWAYS Many dietitians overlook the unique needs of neurodivergent clients. Meal planning can be overwhelming for those with executive dysfunction. It's important to work within people's "safe foods." Sensory sensitivities can greatly impact food choices and preferences. Interoception plays a crucial role in recognizing hunger and fullness cues. Mechanical eating can help those with suppressed appetites due to medication. Small, manageable changes can lead to significant improvements in nutrition. Disordered eating patterns are common among neurodivergent people, especially with ADHD. The window will open soon to join the Educator Hub! If you're a teacher, administrator, school counselor, or parent of a neurodivergent student, this community is where you can share, ask questions, and find training that will help you along your journey. Please come join us. Jackie Silver is a NYC-based Registered Dietitian and founder of Jackie Silver Nutrition, a virtual private practice specializing in supporting neurodivergent kids, teens, and adults with ADHD, ASD and IDD. Her practice is neurodiversity-affirming, nonjudgmental, and weight-inclusive. he holds a Master of Health Science in Nutrition Communication from Toronto Metropolitan University and has additional training in mindful eating and sensory-based feeding therapy. Jackie works with clients across New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Ontario, and beyond, offering support with meal planning, selective eating, digestive health, chronic disease management, and more. In her free time, Jackie enjoys rock climbing, yoga, Pilates, swimming, travel, museums, and spending time with family and friends. BACKGROUND READING Jackie's website, Instagram, Free Grab & Go Foods list, Jackie's meal prep course, Jackie's consultation

Learn how Samantha VanSchoik, VP of Strategic Partnerships at Corporation for Independent Living (CIL), explores the potential development of community housing options in rural communities for individuals with IDD, mental health, recovery, or ABI issues.  The visit CIL's website, go to: https://www.cil.org/ To reach Samantha, email her at svanschoick@cil.org. 

In this week's episode, John and Cynthia explore the incredible insights and untapped potential of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). Our conversation will cover: Why DSPs often feel unheard within their organizations and how to change that Practical strategies for breaking down "invisible barriers" between leadership and frontline staff The importance of cultural awareness and diversity in our caregiving workforce Creative ways to show appreciation that truly resonate with different people We'll share actionable tips for creating genuine listening opportunities, whether you're a family member working with DSPs, an organizational leader, or a DSP yourself looking to make your voice heard. Got a story about feeling truly heard and valued in your work supporting people with I/DD? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com. Episode Transcript

In this episode of the Becker's Payer Issues Podcast, Jakob Emerson speaks with Dr. Tracy Gayeski, Chief Health Officer at Catalight, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming care for individuals with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Dr. Gayeski discusses how Catalight is addressing affordability, individualized care at scale, and social determinants of health—all while preparing for the transformative role AI will play in the next two years. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of what meaningful, sustainable, and person-centered care really looks like.This episode is sponsored by Catalight.

Welcome to the final episode of Season 10 of Waves of Awareness! We're wrapping up this season with a conversation with the Waves Early Learning leadership team: Gina, Jen and Katie. Our usual co-hosts for this episode are Waves CEO Staci Davis and Waves adult Johnny Sunshine. Johnny shares a few life updates as well as what he's looking forward to this summer. The group then dives into all things Early Learning: why it matters, what referrals look like, some of the best practices they utilize, and a huge milestone Waves Early Learning just hit. Waves considers it a privilege to be able to serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilties (IDD) across all seasons of life, and we're excited to highlight the youngest ones this week! Tune in for important information about Early Intervention, some sweet stories from some of our Early Interventionists themselves, and lots of laughs. Be sure to follow us on socials @waves_serves to keep up with the tips our Early Learning team shares every Tuesday! Stay tuned for updated on Season 11 and the amazing guests WOA will be hosting.  ______________________________________ To learn more about Waves go to: wavesinc.com For volunteer opportunities with Waves go to: https://wavesinc.com/volunteer/ To watch Waves of Awareness on Youtube go to: https://www.youtube.com/@Waves_of_Awareness To learn about Spread The Positive go to: https://spreadthepositive.net/ To learn more about Waves Early Learning, visit: https://wavesinc.com/early-learning-program/ To view Waves Early Learning Tuesday Tips: https://wavesinc.com/early-learning-program/early-learning-tips/

In this insightful episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escudé is joined by nurse educator Michael Sigelman, who brings a wealth of experience and passion to improving healthcare practices for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Michael shares how his early experiences shaped his career and how he now plays a crucial role in training registered nurses and direct support professionals across his state. Together, they discuss the importance of structured nurse education, the value of trained medication employees (TMEs), and the essential role of accurate documentation in providing consistent and person-centered care. Michael also emphasizes the power of listening, knowing individual baselines, and taking time—three simple yet impactful practices that can vastly improve health outcomes. Through real-world examples, Michael and Dr. Escudé highlight the challenges and opportunities in achieving health equity, the significance of interprofessional collaboration, and the critical need for increased clinical training in IDD care. Whether you're a clinician, DSP, policymaker, or advocate, this episode offers actionable insights into creating a more inclusive, responsive, and informed healthcare system.

Next week is DSP Recognition Week (September 8-14, 2024). In this REPLAY episode from 2023, John and Cynthia sit down with John Raffaele, the Director of Educational Services at NADSP. We discuss DSPs (Direct Support Professionals), who they are, and their impact on the IDD community.  Resources mentioned in the episode: NADSP Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com  

In this episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escudé sits down with long-time advocate and leader Shelly Chandler to explore a lifetime of service and passion in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). From growing up immersed in the world of special education to running provider agencies and leading the Iowa Association of Community Providers for 17 years, Shelly shares how her personal and professional journey continues to influence better health outcomes for individuals with IDD. Recorded live at the Kansas InterHab Conference, this conversation dives into the challenges of bridging communication gaps between providers, healthcare professionals, and managed care organizations—and why learning to "speak the same language" is essential for improving equity in healthcare. Shelly also offers key advice on building human-centered relationships, listening without assumptions, and staying relentless in the pursuit of opportunity and dignity for every person with IDD.

In this episode of Quillo Pod, Cynthia Morraz and John Dickerson shed light on the often-overlooked intersection of mental health and the IDD community during Mental Health Awareness Month. They discuss the persistent stigma surrounding mental health challenges, share personal stories that illustrate the importance of being an ally, and offer practical guidance on supporting those experiencing difficulties. The importance of creating spaces where it's "okay not to be okay," and how small acts of kindness and connection can make a meaningful difference in someone's journey. Resources mentioned in the episode: Call or text the Suicide and Crisis Prevention Line at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org Episode Transcript  Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com To learn more about Quillo Connect, visit MyQuillo.com

In this episode, Tony Stuart, CEO of Friends for Life, shares practical, experience-based strategies for individuals with developmental disabilities looking to increase their waiver hours. With over 20 years in the field, Tony explains why using your current waiver is essential, how to properly document medical and functional changes, and how incident reports can influence approval for more support. He also discusses the importance of realistic hour requests, the value of waiver add-ons, and the role of agency providers in advocating for increased care. Whether you're a provider or someone receiving services, this episode is packed with crucial insights that can help you navigate the waiver process more effectively. Are you or someone you support working to increase waiver hours? Tune in and learn how to advocate for the care and support you deserve.

"The enormity of the challenges we have in front of us right now, in terms of the deficit of housing, just requires all of us to work together." This episode revisits the National Housing Supply Summit in March 2025! In this conversation, Devon Tilly and co-host Dennis Steigerwalt chats with Matt Hoffman and Stephen O'Conner about affordable housing, the new administration, and the White Paper: Federal Policy Opportunities to Expand Housing Supply. Request a copy of the White Paper here: https://housingsupply.us/ Our co-host Dennis is active in all things real estate with a specific focus on innovation in the residential development and homebuilding ecosystems. He is a ULI Residential Neighborhood Product Council member, a Professional Builder 40 under 40 recipient, and an active member of Geek Estate. In his spare time he enjoys big adventures with his wife and sons on the water and in the mountains. Dennis is the president of the Housing Innovation Alliance, a future oriented community for production homebuilding. The Housing Innovation Summit is the best place to get engaged + connected where you'll gather insights + have a voice at each turn. The 2025 Summit is co-hosted by the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation at the University of Pittsburgh. We'll be at Phipps Conservatory in the Oakland neighborhood and hosting Innovation in Action tours around Pittsburgh. Matt Hoffman has spent his career applying his strategy, business development, and innovation skills to solving problems that create growth and opportunity in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. With over 20 years' experience building businesses in the housing and technology sectors, in February 2024 he completed a two-year assignment as the Senior Advisor to the Commissioner of the Public Buildings Service at the General Services Administration (GSA), which oversees the U.S. government's civilian real estate portfolio of more than 365 million square feet. His core focus was the implications of “the future of work” on the office portfolio and transitioning federal buildings to net zero emissions. He helped launch the federal government's Workplace Innovation Lab (WIL) and federal coworking offering (think WeWork just for federal employees). He represented GSA on the White House's housing supply interagency policy council. Based in the Washington, DC area, Matt has a passion for finding housing solutions for the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) community and currently chairs the real estate finance committee of Benedictine Programs & Services, which helps I/DD children and adults achieve their greatest potential. He is a graduate of Harvard's Kennedy School of Government (MPP) and Brown University (BA). Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. O'Connor has been deeply involved in addressing the multifaceted challenges surrounding the crisis in affordable housing. His long and effective history of advocacy focuses on the promotion of equitable housing opportunities through the development of inclusive communities to enhance the quality of life for diverse populations. With a Ph.D. in Planning and Public Policy, Dr. O'Connor's expertise extends across various sectors within the housing spectrum, including affordable housing finance, housing policy analysis, and land use planning. He is often called upon by governmental agencies, political campaigns, and non-profit organizations to help develop effective policy frameworks and practical interventions to address housing disparities. As an educator, Dr. O'Connor is committed to developing the next generation of housing advocates, developers, and policymakers. He serves as a mentor and a teacher, inspiring students to explore the intersection of housing, social equity, and public policy. His dynamic teaching style and hands-on approach are informed by more than thirty years of housing industry experience. Personally, Dr. O'Connor and his wife, Sandy, have served long tenures with several medical mission charities. In addition, they have founded two 501(c)(3) organizations to raise money for cure-focused medical research. They have two children and two beautiful grandsons.   Read James Rouse's book: https://a.co/d/4cVwaKN Read the "Abundance" book:  https://a.co/d/1N0kr4e Keep up with the Art of Construction (AOC) podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn! Subscribe to us and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

Zack Gottsagen is breaking barriers and reshaping Hollywood. In this inspiring video, we explore Zack's groundbreaking journey as an actor with Down syndrome—from his unforgettable leading role in The Peanut Butter Falcon alongside Shia LaBeouf and Dakota Johnson to making history as the first person with Down syndrome to present at the Academy Awards. Zack's story is more than a personal triumph—it's a cultural milestone. He's a powerful example of what happens when talent, determination, and true inclusion come together. By pursuing his dream despite all odds, Zack has shown the world that people with developmental disabilities deserve not only visibility but respect and opportunity in the entertainment industry and beyond. Join us as we celebrate Zack Gottsagen's legacy and the vital message he shares with the world: representation matters.

On this episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escudé sits down with two remarkable nurses—Patty Haberkorn and Deanna Cox—at the Illinois Developmental Disabilities Nurses Conference. With a combined four decades of experience supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), Patty and Deanna share powerful insights into nursing, advocacy, communication, and the often-overlooked emotional rewards of this career path. Patty, who began her journey as a nurse and now serves as Executive Director at Futures Unlimited, and Deanna, a dedicated nurse who found her calling in DD care after working in long-term care, both reflect on how they "fell into the field" and stayed out of passion. They open up about the gaps in nursing education regarding IDD, the importance of understanding non-verbal communication, and the critical role of baseline behavior in diagnosing health issues. This episode covers: The value of advocacy from nurses and direct support professionals Real-world challenges in educating physicians and gaining respect for individuals with IDD Why knowing a person's baseline behavior is crucial for accurate medical care The emotional connection between care staff and the individuals they support Staffing and funding challenges in the IDD sector—and why passion still keeps them going Whether you're a nurse, DSP, administrator, or someone curious about working in disability services, this conversation offers heartfelt stories and essential wisdom about the importance—and joy—of working in this field.

On this episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escudé sits down with two remarkable nurses—Patty Haberkorn and Deanna Cox—at the Illinois Developmental Disabilities Nurses Conference. With a combined four decades of experience supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), Patty and Deanna share powerful insights into nursing, advocacy, communication, and the often-overlooked emotional rewards of this career path. Patty, who began her journey as a nurse and now serves as Executive Director at Futures Unlimited, and Deanna, a dedicated nurse who found her calling in DD care after working in long-term care, both reflect on how they "fell into the field" and stayed out of passion. They open up about the gaps in nursing education regarding IDD, the importance of understanding non-verbal communication, and the critical role of baseline behavior in diagnosing health issues. This episode covers: The value of advocacy from nurses and direct support professionals Real-world challenges in educating physicians and gaining respect for individuals with IDD Why knowing a person's baseline behavior is crucial for accurate medical care The emotional connection between care staff and the individuals they support Staffing and funding challenges in the IDD sector—and why passion still keeps them going Whether you're a nurse, DSP, administrator, or someone curious about working in disability services, this conversation offers heartfelt stories and essential wisdom about the importance—and joy—of working in this field.

Jessica Awsumb and Hilary Travers are co-leads at Transition TennesseeTimeline: 2:15 Introduction3:15 Hilary's work at Perkins School of the Blind and what led her to Vanderbilt and transitional planning5:00 Jessica's pathway to transitional training and employment for students with IDD.8:13 How do we prepare for transitions (legal and evidence-based practice), which starts at Age 14 in TN. Key points mentioned: - 4 future goals in transitional planning are: post-secondary education, employment, community involvement, and community living. - A Course of Study (9th to 12th grade) is a selection of classes that are needed and individualized to a student to reach their post-secondary goals.- Annual goal to build competency for life skills.- Transition Services- a coordinated set of outcome-based activities to supplement after-school goals ( assigned to parent or third-party provider). 18:00 Job Exploration- What would you like to do for work? Your areas of interest? Explore the skills needed for the job in the community.21:14 Thinking about employment as a family.23:09 Support of job coaching vs natural supports- team-based approach.28:24 Job experiences and work-based learning: rural vs urban. What are students' skills? What is their motivation? What are their supports? It will influence their experience. Another consideration is full vs part-time, self-employed.32:27 VR for formal supports, faith communities are informal supports (these are non-paid opportunities), the Chamber of Commerce, who know the local businesses, and career fairs. 35:00 CTE courses are based on local community needs assessment, and if they align with students' interests, this is a great way for students to gain job skills. 37: 00 Helpful Resources: https://transitiontn.org/ Empowering Youth with Vision Impairments - free resources

Hannah is flipping vintage, crushing fast fashion, and winning over fans with her “thrift with me” videos. SHOW NOTES: How she took advantage of the Poshmark “Entrepreneurs Fund.” Vintage flips. Champion of the secondhand-first movement. Fast fashion stats that will shock you! The cure for fast fashion. Reselling insights and resources. Her favorite Colorado thrift stores. Why her sourcing and “thrift with me” videos are so popular. Her support of the IDD community.

In this inspiring episode of IDD Health Matters with Dr. Craig Escudé, we welcome Tony Thomas, Executive Director of Welcome House in Cleveland, Ohio. With over 24 years of leadership experience, Tony shares his remarkable journey into the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) — from a life-changing family discovery to a lifelong career dedicated to empowering individuals and advancing health equity. Tony discusses how frontline Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are the heart of the disability services field, his innovative initiatives to improve healthcare access for people with IDD, and how Welcome House is creating clear career pathways for DSPs, including specialized medical support roles. He also talks about the urgent need to address workforce shortages and improve wages for caregivers. If you're passionate about making a difference, building a meaningful career, or learning how true inclusion transforms lives, this episode is packed with wisdom, hope, and practical ideas for the future of IDD services.

This episode is dedicated to honor the memory of Barb Ziegler, the founder of The Trailhead Community. "We are here to celebrate tonight, the opening of this building...we are not at the end of the trail. We are still working on making the trail longer, stronger, and more connected for more people to help solve the greater problem in this community {independent living for IDD adults}." This episode revisits The Trailhead Community at their building opening and ribbon cutting ceremony. If you hear any background noise or laughter, that's because this episode was recorded LIVE in the lobby of The Trailhead Community building in April 2025! In this conversation, Devon Tilly and co-host Matt McMullen chat with various partners at The Trailhead Community! Featured Guests: At 17, James Harper's stepfather told him, “James, you should find a sales job—you could sell anything!” Fast forward 17 years, and sales became his calling. Over the last 10 years, he has sold over $30 million in B2B marketing services and successfully exited two bootstrapped companies. His expertise and passion lie in helping B2B companies scale through effective outbound sales strategies that deliver results. He believes small businesses are the backbone of the economy, and entrepreneurship is its driving force. His mission is simple: to create opportunities that convert. He helps companies scale by blending sales, marketing, and operational strategy. He doesn't just focus on growth—he makes it sustainable by refining operations, improving team performance, and creating scalable systems. If you're looking to grow smarter, not just harder, he's someone worth connecting with. Jeans Mobley worked as an Office Manager for an accounting firm for several years after college. She realized the accounting world was not the best fit and she decided to leap into the nonprofit world with Trailhead Community. Her degree is in Communication with a minor in Leadership Studies. Communication makes the world go 'round! She is passionate about making Trailhead the model for neuro-inclusive housing and building a community that supports one another's ability to thrive. Jim Shipton was born in the Midwest and raised in Story City, Iowa, the heartland as they call it. He loves being from a small town where you have an opportunity to participate in all aspects of life. Jim played football, basketball, golf and learned to work hard in the farming community. He completed one year of undergraduate civil engineering at Iowa State University before transferring to Colorado State University where he met his future wife and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Architecture. Upon graduation he and his wife, Denise, moved to the San Diego area for several years, gained valuable experience and his first license in 1992, before moving back to the Denver Metro area. He has been delivering his exceptional services to owners and developers in the western region of the US for the last 35 years. Currently he and his wife live in Littleton where they are trying to figure out how to become empty nesters. Jim enjoys outdoor activities, skiing, golfing, camping and all things Ford Bronco. Halie Behr of Behr Benefits is a force of nature in the auction industry, bringing forth the high energy and electricity to fire up a room and keep everyone engaged all night long. As the proud founder and lead auctioneer of Behr Benefits, Halie has spent the last decade raising millions of dollars for charities all over the U.S. Behr is a three-time champion auctioneer, becoming the first and only in history to win both the International Junior Auctioneering Championship in 2013 and the women's division of the International Auctioneering Championship in 2023, competing against the very best in the industry on the world's largest stage. Halie holds the title of Denver's favorite Fundaneer, bringing an unparalleled sense of enthusiasm and passion to maximize fundraising results at benefit auction events. Click this link to see previous episodes over The Trailhead Community. Keep up with the Art of Construction (AOC) podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn! Subscribe to us and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

Lesson #10: "Plan For The Life Ahead: High School and Young Adulthood" In this final episode of 10 Lessons, Dr. Rick summarizes the lessons covered throughout the podcast, and speaks with three families about how they each navigated their children on the spectrum through high school and beyond. Other areas of discussion include Diploma vs Certificate, Guardianship, and College. Show Notes Organizations and Support Groups Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN): ASAN is a community organizing, self-advocacy, and public policy advocacy and education organization for autistic youth and adults, run by and for autistic adults. Asperger/Autism Network (AANE): AANE offers support groups for autistic teens, parents, and adults, providing both free and fee-based options, with financial assistance available for some groups. Autism Empowerment: Autism Empowerment works with individuals, families, and professionals to help people with Asperger Syndrome and similar autism spectrum profiles build meaningful, connected lives. Autism Support Center (ASC): ASC services are for families with children or young adults who have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Transition to Adulthood and Employment: U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services: This office provides a transition guide to postsecondary education and employment for students and youth with disabilities. Social Security Administration's Youth Resources: This page connects youth and young adults with disabilities to important resources and information to achieve education, career, and life goals. Ticket to Work Program: This program supports career development for Social Security disability beneficiaries age 18 through 64 who want to work. PACER's National Parent Center on Transition and Employment: This center educates parents on several aspects of the transition to adulthood for youth with disabilities, including finding a job, employment supports, and disability rights. The Center for Pursuit: This organization provides customized employment planning and assistance for transitioning youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), autism, and other similar conditions. WorkMAP Employment Coaching: AANE offers free WorkMAP coaching for post-high school autistic young adults (between the ages of 18 and 30) with employment-related goals in certain areas. Other Helpful Resources: Autism Resources Miramichi Inc. (ARM): ARM offers helpful free resources to individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, their families, community support workers and professionals throughout Northumberland County. Exceptional Lives: Exceptional Lives offers a free Resource Directory, a searchable online database of disability programs and providers, and free How-to Guides. Know Yourself Series: This series offers free resources (videos, PDFs, worksheets) to support autistic teenagers in understanding what being autistic means to them. Adult Autism Health Resources (AAHR): AAHR has more information on legal matters, common medical conditions, communication strategies and many other topics. Autism Social Space: The National Autistic Society provides Autism Social Space, which is free for Autistic adults to join and provides a safe space to meet like-minded people. Great Reference: Pelicano E, Unsa F, et al (2022) A capabilities approach to understanding and supporting autistic adulthood. Nature Reviews/Psychology. Nov, Vol 1 624-639 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/363286009_A_capabilities_approach_to_understanding_and_supporting_autistic_adulthood/

In this episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escudé sits down with Dr. Alice Bacherini, a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Perugia in Italy, to explore how psychological research is helping dismantle biases in healthcare for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Dr. Bacherini discusses her groundbreaking work developing tools to measure erroneous assumptions and self-efficacy among physicians when treating individuals with IDD. Together, they dive into how clinician attitudes impact health equity, the role of social dominance orientation in perpetuating stereotypes, and why direct interaction and inclusive communication are essential to better care outcomes. Tune in to hear why IDD-specific training—especially hands-on experiences—can shift perspectives and improve quality of care. Dr. Bacherini also shares where to find her published scale, the Beliefs About Adults with ID (BAAID), and her three key pieces of advice for creating a more inclusive healthcare system. Learn more at: replacingrisk.com Career opportunities with Friends for Life: friendsforliferc.com

In this powerful episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escudé sits down with longtime civil rights attorney, disability advocate, and former Acting Administrator of the Administration for Community Living, Alison Barkoff. Now serving as the Hirsch Health Law and Policy Professor at George Washington University's Milken Institute School of Public Health, Alison shares her personal journey rooted in her experiences as a sibling of a person with an intellectual disability—and how that shaped her life's mission to advance health equity, civil rights, and inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Together, they explore: The historic update to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act—modernizing anti-discrimination protections in healthcare for the first time in nearly 50 years. The hard truths about ableism, medical bias, and discriminatory crisis standards of care exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The urgent need to incorporate clinical care curricula into medical and health professional training to eliminate health disparities for people with IDD. The challenges of navigating a fragmented service system—and why it's still worth the fight. Alison also shares her top three calls to action for improving the lives of people with IDD: building personal connections, embracing inclusive healthcare reform, and confronting the systemic complexity with commitment and compassion. If you're a healthcare professional, policymaker, or advocate looking to better understand the intersection of disability rights, healthcare, and public policy—this is an episode you don't want to miss.

Send us a textSummary: Lindsay and I talk about coffee, community, and inclusion.________________________________________________________Sponsor: This show is supported by the Top Five Newsletter. If you want a simple and to-the-point update on Raleigh commercial development you can subscribe to the Top Five. It's free if you want it to be!________________________________________________________Big Take Aways:- The power of a single prompt “What would you do with $50K and a gap year?”- 321 Coffee has shipped product to 50 of 50 states.- How to build more inclusive spaces with “sliders.”- Lindsay's dream collaborations.________________________________________________________About Lindsay: Lindsay Wrege is the co-founder and CEO of 321 Coffee, a coffee shop and roaster based in Raleigh, NC that employs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her inclusive staff, featuring people with down syndrome, autism, and other forms of neurodiversity, together are modeling inclusion for others to follow. She started this company in her college dorm room, and it now has 5 locations and employs over 50 adults with IDD. Lindsay believes in the power of using business for social impact.Connect with Lindsay: Website | LinkedIn Mentioned in the show:- Lindsay's speaking website.________________________________________________________Sponsor: This show is supported by the Top Five Newsletter. If you want a simple and to-the-point update on Raleigh commercial development you can subscribe to the Top Five. It's free if you want it to be!Show Notes: Welcome to Dirt NC where we talk all about the places and spaces of North Carolina and the people who make them awesome, I am your host Jed Byrne.Throughout my career in engineering, construction, finance, and development, I have covered just about all sides of the land use ecosystem. This show creates an opportunity for me to share what I have learned with you as well as introduce you to some of my friends, both new and old who are doing transformative work.With each episode of Dirt NC my goal is to make sure you walk away learning something new about land use. I promise to keep it simple and straight to the point.As always, I am grateful that you have chosen to share this time with me! If you have comments/questions/suggestions about Dirt NC or anything land use related you can connect with me on www.oakcitycre.com.Until next time, Thank you!

Join the Behind the Knife Bariatric Surgery Team as they kick off 2025 with a crucial discussion on pediatric and adolescent bariatric surgery. Drs. Matt Martin, Adrian Dan and Katherine Cironi delve into the latest ASMBS guidelines, comparing long-term outcomes of gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy in adolescents versus adults. They explore key comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and orthopedic issues, and emphasize the importance of early intervention. This episode also tackles the complex ethical considerations surrounding surgery in this vulnerable population, including consent, multidisciplinary care, and the evolving role of medical therapies like GLP-1 agonists. Show Hosts: - Matthew Martin - Adrian Dan - Katherine Cironi Learning Objectives:  ·  Identify the current ASMBS guidelines for pediatric and adolescent bariatric surgery, including BMI thresholds and associated comorbidities.  ·  Describe common comorbidities seen in the pediatric population eligible for bariatric surgery, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and orthopedic issues.  ·  Compare and contrast long-term outcomes of bariatric surgery (gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy) in adolescents and adults, including remission rates of comorbidities and reoperation rates.  ·  Discuss the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, including psychological and ethical considerations, when evaluating adolescent patients for bariatric surgery.  ·  Explain the ethical framework used in evaluating adolescents for bariatric surgery, including consent/assent, parental involvement, and addressing potential coercion.  ·  Recognize the evolving role of medical management (e.g., GLP-1 agonists) in conjunction with or as an alternative to bariatric surgery in adolescents. Article #1: Inge 2019 – Five-year outcomes of gastric bypass in adolescents as compared with adults https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31461610/ - The cumulative effect of sustained severe obesity (BMI >35) from adolescence into adulthood increases the likelihood of diabetes, hypertension, respiratory conditions, kidney dysfunction, walking limitations, and venous edema in legs/feet (when compared to adults that did not report severe obesity in adolescence) - American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) guidelines for adolescents who should be considered for bariatric surgery: BMI is ≥35 with a co-morbidity or if they have a BMI ≥40 (class 3 obesity, 140% of the 95th percentile) - This article utilizes the Teen-Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery (TEENS LAB) and LABS (adults) databases to evaluate the outcomes of adolescents vs. adults who underwent bariatric surgery Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (2006-2009) - 161 adolescents (13-19 at the time of surgery) with severe obesity (BMI>35) vs 396 adults (25-50 years old at the time of surgery) who have remained obese (BMI>30) since adolescence  - Both groups had the gastric bypass procedure as their primary bariatric operation  - Both groups had unadjusted similar demographics, however, BMI was higher in adolescence (54) when compared to adults (51)  - Results were analyzed using linear mixed and Poisson mixed models to analyze weight and coexisting conditions - After surgery, adolescents were significantly more likely than adults to have remission of type 2 diabetes and hypertension - Increased likelihood of remission of diabetes due to the shorter duration of diabetes, lower baseline glycated Hgb, less use of medications, and increased baseline C-peptide levels  - Increased vascular stiffness in adults along with a longer duration of hypertension make the cessation of hypertension less responsive with surgery in adults  - No significant difference in percent weight changes between adolescents and adults 5 years after surgery  - Both adults and adolescent groups had decreased rates of hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL levels, albeit not significantly different when comparing the two groups  - Of note, the rate of abdominal reoperations was significantly higher among adolescents (20%) than among adults (16%) with cholecystectomy representing nearly half the procedures in both groups - Limitations - At baseline, adults had a high prevalence of both diabetes and hypertension - only 14% of adolescents had diabetes vs 31% of adults  - Only 30% of adolescents had hypertension vs 61% of adults  Article #2: Ryder 2024 – Ten-year outcomes after bariatric surgery in adolescents  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39476348/ - The goal is to discuss the long-term durability of weight loss and remission of coexisting conditions in adolescents after bariatric surgery  - This article utilizes the Teen-Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery (TEENS LABS) database to evaluate the 10-year outcomes in adolescents who underwent gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy  - 260 adolescents with an average age of 17 years old at the time of surgery (ages ranged from 13-19 years old) - 161 adolescents underwent gastric bypass, 99 adolescents underwent sleeve gastrectomy  - Results were analyzed using propensity score-adjusted linear and generalized mixed models  - At 10 years, the average BMI had decreased significantly with both groups experiencing about a 20% change in BMI on average - To assess comorbidities, both groups were analyzed together -  55% of patients who had DM2 at baseline, were in remission at 10 years - 57% of patients who had HTN at baseline, were in remission at 10 years -  54% of patients who had dyslipidemia at baseline, were in remission at 10 years - Limitations  - Neither of these studies compare surgery to medical management. GLP-1s have shown promise for weight loss management but we need more data in terms of long-term outcomes in co-morbidities like diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia  - Highlighted Outcomes  - Metabolic bariatric surgery is quite effective in the adolescent population  - Adolescents tend to have weight loss that is similar to that of adults and improved resolution of comorbid conditions (DM2, HTN, dyslipidemia) Article #3: Moore 2020 – Development and application of an ethical framework for pediatric metabolic and bariatric surgery evaluation https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33191162/ - The purpose of this paper is to describe the ethical framework that supports the use of metabolic & bariatric surgery (MBS) on the principle of justice, and how providers can conduct a thorough evaluation of patients presenting for these surgeries - Highlights adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and preadolescent children who pose more ethical questions before considering surgery  - This article utilizes the bariatric surgery center at one children's hospital and the institution's ethics consult service to develop an ethical framework to evaluate pediatric patients seeking bariatric surgery – using the national ASMBS guidelines  - This ethical framework utilized 4 central ethical questions 1.     Should any patients be automatically excluded from evaluation for MBS? 2.     How should it be determined that the benefits of MBS outweigh the risks? 3.     How do we ensure the patient fully understands and is capable of cooperating with the surgery and follow-up care? 4.     How do we make sure the decision to have surgery is truly voluntary, and not coerced by family or others? - Results: this ethical framework was discussed in depth in two case studies  - Overview of framework: an ethical question would arise from the bariatric team they would review & apply the ethical framework. The question is either resolved by the bariatric team OR ethics consult, continue pre-operative workup vs no surgery - Case 1: 17M (BMI 42) with a history of autism spectrum disorder, pre-DM, depression with behavior challenges, HTN, dyslipidemia. Testing at school demonstrates intellectual functioning at a fourth-grade level. Pt lives with mom and 11-year-old sister. Mom endorses food insecurity (on supplemental nutrition assistance benefits) and struggles with her son's large intake of food.  1.     Co-morbidities should not be exclusionary, but pt should undergo a comprehensive psychosocial evaluation with attention to family dynamics and support and the patient's decision-making capacity  2.     Discuss benefits vs risks. Benefits – decreased progression of DM2, HTN, hyperlipidemia, cardiometabolic dx. Risks – gastric leak, infection, bleeding, dumping syndrome, etc.  3.     Can assess decision-making capacity with the surgical team or if need be other teams. In this case, the pt had limited decision-making capacity  - His level of understanding remained stable during the pre-op visits, and he gave assent to surgery - The mom identified a second source of support (extended family) - The team talked to both the patient and mother alone and then, together, found that the patient developed an independent desire for surgery, and thus moved forward.  - Case 2: 8F (BMI 50) with a history of mod OSA, L slipped capital femoral epiphysis s/p surgical stabilization (6 mos prior). The patient is neurotypical & excels in school, and lives with mom & dad. Referred by mom & dad (mom with a recent history of sleeve gastrectomy).  1.     An 8-year-old should not be discriminated against based solely on age, but the patient should be offered more conservative/less invasive options before OR.  a.     In this case, the family had not yet been offered these nonsurgical approaches (structured weight management program, physical support, dietician) 2.     Discuss benefits vs risks. Benefits – preventing progression of hip disease, improvement of OSA, decreased risk of cardiometabolic dx. Risks – anatomic/infectious/nutrition risks  3.     Decision-making capacity was assessed. Found that the parents were more advocating for the surgery saying she has a poor quality of life physically and socially. When the patient was separated from her parents, she said she could lose weight if she had healthier foods at home and someone to exercise with. The patient had decision-making capacity & did not assent to surgery.  4.     When the ethics team interviewed the patient and parents, the parents had a strong preference toward surgery vs patient was scared of surgery and wanted to try other approaches first  a.      Decided that the child's dissent outweighed the medical necessity for surgery and that there were conservative treatment options still available to try  - Highlighted Outcomes  - ASMBS guidelines give us good direction on who qualifies for surgery and emphasize an interdisciplinary approach to decision-making. The decision to pursue surgery should always weigh the benefits and risks and should be made collaboratively with the patient, family, and care team ***SPECIALTY TEAM APPLICATION LINK: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdX2a_zsiyaz-NwxKuUUa5cUFolWhOw3945ZRFoRcJR1wjZ4w/viewform?usp=sharing Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.