Welcome to another insightful episode of the IDD Health Matters Podcast with Dr. Craig Escude. In this episode, Dr. Escude is joined by two remarkable guests, Nanette Wrobel and Jessica Jacobs from Tarrytown Expocare Pharmacy, a leading provider of pharmacy services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Nanette, a seasoned pharmacist with nearly 40 years of experience, and Jessica, a pharmacy technician with a strong background in mental health and IDD, share their unique journeys into the IDD field. They discuss the critical role that specialized pharmacy services play in supporting individuals with IDD, emphasizing the importance of tailored medication management and the need for continuous education for healthcare providers.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Escude and his guests delve into the nuances of medication management for people with IDD, including the challenges of recognizing and addressing non-verbal communication of symptoms and side effects. They also explore the broader implications of health equity in this field, highlighting the progress made and the ongoing need for collaboration among healthcare professionals to improve the quality of care.

Tune in to hear inspiring stories, practical advice, and a deep dive into the collaborative efforts required to enhance the lives of individuals with IDD. Whether you're a healthcare professional, caregiver, or advocate, this episode is packed with valuable insights that can help you make a positive impact in the IDD community.

Don't miss the "Three in Three" segment, where Jessica and Nanette offer actionable tips for improving health and wellness for people with IDD, emphasizing the power of education, volunteerism, and an open-minded approach to learning.

Join us for this enlightening discussion that reinforces the importance of compassionate care and continuous learning in the IDD field.

Join Dr. Craig Escude in this insightful episode of IDD Health Matters, recorded live from the ANCOR conference in Chicago. In this episode, Dr. Escude welcomes Catherine Thibedeau, who shares her remarkable journey from entering the field of supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) by necessity, to becoming the executive director of Independence Advocates of Maine. Catherine discusses the array of services her agency provides and highlights her dual role in influencing policy and professional development through state and national provider networks.

Catherine's story illustrates the career opportunities within the IDD service field, emphasizing the potential for rapid advancement and professional growth. Additionally, she dives into the innovative health initiatives her organization is pioneering, such as the use of telemedicine to improve accessibility and quality of care for people with IDD, especially in rural settings.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the importance of inclusive hiring practices and the transformative impact of thoughtful, person-centered caregiving. Whether you’re a provider, a caregiver, or someone interested in the field of IDD services, this episode is packed with inspiring stories and practical advice for fostering health equity and empowering individuals with disabilities.

Tune in to learn how engaging with and supporting the IDD community can enrich lives and enhance the quality of care across the board.

In this episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escudé sits down with Art Dykstra, a veteran in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Art, who currently serves as the director of the Trinity Foundation and has previously led Trinity Services as CEO, shares his inspiring journey from an unexpected start in the IDD field to becoming a pivotal figure in providing support and resources for individuals with disabilities across Illinois.

Art's story begins with a simple job posting that led him to work with a young man with autism, a transformative experience that steered him from philosophy to psychology and ultimately into a lifelong commitment to the IDD community. Throughout the conversation, Art reflects on the importance of making a difference in people's lives and how his early experiences shaped his career. His insights into the challenges and rewards of working in this field provide a deep understanding of the complexities and the profound impact one can have on individuals and their families.

Dr. Escudé and Art discuss the vital role of interdisciplinary collaboration in supporting individuals with IDD, emphasizing the need for integrating mental and physical health care. They also explore the concepts of happiness and joy, the importance of self-awareness, and the value of serving others. Art’s dedication to improving the lives of those with IDD is a testament to the power of compassion and commitment, offering valuable lessons for anyone interested in making a difference in this field. Tune in for a heartfelt and enlightening conversation that underscores the profound impact of dedicated service in the lives of others.

In this insightful episode of the IDD Health Matters Podcast, Dr. Craig Escude sits down with Karyn Harvey, a passionate advocate for trauma-informed care in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Recorded live from the ANCOR conference, Karyn shares her deep understanding of the behavioral challenges often faced by individuals with IDD, revealing how these behaviors are frequently symptoms of unrecognized trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Karyn discusses the critical need for access to therapeutic support for those with IDD, emphasizing the profound impact of trauma on their mental health. She delves into the three essential components of trauma-informed support: emotional safety, connection through meaningful relationships, and empowerment. Through her years of experience, Karyn highlights the vital role that direct support professionals (DSPs) play in the healing and growth of individuals with IDD, stressing that the most significant transformations occur when DSPs are compassionate, understanding, and supportive.

Tune in to hear Karyn’s inspiring stories, learn about her latest book "Trauma and Healing," and discover practical strategies for creating environments where individuals with IDD can thrive. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in health equity, trauma-informed care, and making a lasting difference in the lives of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

About Karyn: Karyn Harvey, PhD, is a well-respected psychologist and expert in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), particularly known for her work on trauma-informed care. She has spent over three decades working with individuals with IDD, focusing on mental health, behavioral interventions, and therapeutic support. Dr. Harvey is a passionate advocate for recognizing and addressing the trauma experienced by people with IDD, which is often overlooked or misunderstood.

She is the author of several books, including "Trauma-Informed Behavioral Interventions" and "Trauma and Healing," which provide valuable resources for caregivers, direct support professionals, and others working in the IDD field. Her work emphasizes the importance of creating safe, connected, and empowering environments for individuals with IDD to help them heal and thrive. Dr. Harvey is also a frequent speaker at conferences and a sought-after expert in the area of mental health and trauma for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

In this episode of the IDD Health Matters Podcast, Dr. Craig Escude sits down with Meera Gandhi, the dedicated Clinic Director at Kramer Davis Health Clinic in Nashville. Meera shares her inspiring journey, from coaching Special Olympics athletes in California to becoming a passionate advocate and leader in healthcare for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). She discusses how her early experiences shaped her career and led her to Kramer Davis Health, where she now plays a pivotal role in providing comprehensive care.

Dr. Escude and Meera delve into the unique, holistic approach of Kramer Davis Health, emphasizing integrated care that brings together medical, dental, therapeutic, and psychological services under one roof. Meera explains how this model is transforming medicine, especially for IDD patients who often face significant challenges in traditional healthcare settings. They highlight the importance of transdisciplinary care and the benefits of having all specialists collaborate closely to address the complex needs of their patients.

Meera also shares her insights on the critical need for better training and awareness among clinicians regarding IDD healthcare. She discusses the initiatives at Kramer Davis Health to educate and train future healthcare providers, ensuring that more clinicians are equipped to deliver high-quality care to this underserved population. Tune in to hear how Meera and her team are making a significant impact on the lives of IDD patients and their families, and learn about the future goals of Kramer Davis Health in revolutionizing care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

In this insightful episode of the IDD Health Matters Podcast, hosted by Dr. Craig Escude, we welcome Dr. Steven Merahn, Medical Director at Partnership Solutions, to discuss the crucial aspects of healthcare and support services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Dr. Merahn shares his journey from medical school at Albert Einstein College of Medicine to his current role, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped his dedication to this field.

Dr. Merahn delves into the significance of understanding diversity of ability rather than viewing it as a disability, stressing the importance of adapting environments to support individuals' unique needs. He shares experiences from his time working with the New York City Health Department and the ID community, advocating for a holistic, person-centered approach to healthcare.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of integrating healthcare with support services, the importance of coordinated care, and the impact of social determinants on health outcomes. Dr. Merahn also discusses his book, "Care Evolution," which explores health as a social imperative, emphasizing the need for a societal commitment to health similar to that of education and law enforcement.

Join us for an enlightening conversation that underscores the necessity of removing barriers and fostering an inclusive environment for people with IDD. Discover practical steps you can take to contribute to improving healthcare and support for this community.

Join Dr. Craig Escude in this insightful episode of IDD Health Matters, where we explore health, wellness, and health equity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our special guest, Natalie Symons, a dedicated registered nurse and the director of the Milestone Health Care Quality Unit (HCQU) in Western Pennsylvania, shares her extensive experience and innovative approaches to supporting individuals with IDD.

In this episode, Natalie discusses her role in providing training and technical assistance to agencies across nine counties in Pennsylvania. She highlights the critical work her team does, including offering over 250 medical and behavioral training topics, providing free technical assistance, and developing a new DSP app to support direct support professionals and family members. Natalie also shares their innovative use of virtual reality for training, which enhances learning retention and provides a safe environment for making mistakes.

Additionally, Natalie recounts her journey into the field of IDD health care, emphasizing the importance of listening to and advocating for individuals with IDD. She shares valuable advice on increasing activity, paying attention to subtle health cues, and the rewarding nature of working with this community.

Tune in to learn about the innovative tools and practices that are making a difference in the lives of individuals with IDD, and be inspired by Natalie’s passion and dedication to this vital field.

Three Key Takeaways:

1. Increase activity levels for individuals with IDD to improve overall health.
2. Listen attentively and observe carefully to understand and address health needs.
3. Embrace the rewarding nature of working with individuals with IDD and advocate tirelessly on their behalf.

For more information on Milestone HCQU, visit Milestone PA and explore the DSP app and other resources.

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

Welcome to another episode of the IDD Health Matters Podcast with Dr. Craig Escudé. In this episode, Dr. Escudé is joined by Terry Broda, a seasoned nurse consultant with over 30 years of experience in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Terry shares her unique journey into the field, which began unexpectedly and evolved into a lifelong passion.

Together, they delve into critical topics such as health equity, the importance of understanding medical issues like constipation and seizures, and the vital role of proper diagnosis in improving the quality of life for individuals with IDD. Terry's extensive background in psychiatry, neurology, and her work with First Nations communities provide rich insights and compelling stories that highlight the nuances of healthcare for people with IDD.

Listen in as they discuss the necessity of educating clinicians and supporters, the impact of medical comorbidities on behavior, and the importance of recognizing and treating underlying health issues. Terry also shares actionable steps that listeners can take to support this field, emphasizing the need for greater exposure, acceptance, and resource accessibility.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in or interested in the health and wellness of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Tune in to gain valuable knowledge and inspiration from Terry Broda's extensive experience and dedication to this important work.

Join us for an enlightening conversation on the IDD Health Matters Podcast!