In this episode of IDD Health Matters, host Dr. Craig Escudé is joined by Valerie Chadwick, the Health Advocacy Director at The Arc of Philadelphia. Valerie shares her journey into the field of healthcare for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), highlighting her initial hesitance and eventual drive to become more engaged with this underserved population. Valerie talks about her role at The Arc, where she oversees a program that helps medical and health students interact with individuals with disabilities, fostering understanding and competence in providing inclusive care.

Together, they discuss the importance of training healthcare professionals to meet the needs of people with IDD and the groundbreaking partnerships Valerie is building with medical and dental schools in Philadelphia. This episode is filled with powerful insights on the necessity of presuming competence, seeing individuals with disabilities in their full humanity, and making meaningful differences within your sphere of influence. Valerie also opens up about her personal dream of pursuing medical school and continuing her advocacy for people with disabilities throughout her career.

Tune in to hear Valerie’s inspiring story and learn more about how healthcare can evolve to be more inclusive for people with disabilities.