In this episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escudé is joined by Dr. Michelle Cantanzerite, Chief Medical Officer at Achievable Health, a federally qualified health center in Culver City, California. Together, they dive into Michelle’s journey into the field of healthcare for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). From a chance start to now leading a healthcare facility dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with IDD, Michelle reflects on the challenges and rewards of working in this specialized field, where communication and humility play crucial roles in delivering patient-centered care.

Michelle highlights the unique mission of Achievable Health, emphasizing its integrated care approach, including medical services, behavioral health, and therapy. The clinic, although small, is growing rapidly and has recently received a significant grant from the Mackenzie Scott Foundation to expand its services. Michelle and Dr. Escudé discuss the importance of creating an accessible, welcoming environment for people with IDD, as well as the collaborative work with California's regional centers to ensure comprehensive care and support for patients with disabilities.

Throughout their conversation, Michelle and Dr. Escudé explore key issues in healthcare for people with IDD, including the systemic discrimination patients often face and the lack of proper training among healthcare providers. They also delve into the broader need for healthcare professionals to approach care with humility and a willingness to learn, ensuring that individuals with IDD receive the compassionate, competent care they deserve. This insightful episode sheds light on the ongoing efforts to improve healthcare equity for people with IDD.

In this episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escude is joined by Dr. Toni Benton, a professor and medical director at the University of New Mexico's Family Medicine department. Together, they dive into the complexities of healthcare for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Dr. Benton shares insights about her work with the Transdisciplinary Evaluation and Support (TES) Clinic, a program that's been providing innovative, community-based care for over 30 years.

Dr. Benton explains how her team, which includes medical professionals, social workers, and various specialists, provides comprehensive evaluations for individuals across New Mexico. The TES Clinic addresses complex medical, behavioral, and psychosocial challenges, working closely with families and care teams to find effective solutions. Through thoughtful case studies and examples, Dr. Benton emphasizes the importance of collaborative, interdisciplinary healthcare, highlighting how their evaluations have transformed lives.

Listeners will also hear about the clinic’s capacity-building efforts, where Dr. Benton’s team teaches and supports local clinicians to ensure long-term care improvements. Dr. Benton offers practical tips for professionals working with individuals who cannot communicate verbally, stressing the importance of listening with more than just ears and recognizing subtle signs during physical exams.

Tune in for a deep dive into this unique model of care and discover how collaboration and dedication can enhance health outcomes for people with IDD.

In this episode of *IDD Health Matters*, Dr. Craig Escudé welcomes Ann Hardiman, Chief Innovation Officer at the New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation. Ann shares her journey into the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), which was shaped by personal experiences with mental health in her family. The discussion begins with Ann's involvement during the early days of deinstitutionalization, when people with IDD were transitioning from institutional settings to community-based living. Ann reflects on the significant improvements in quality of life that resulted from this movement, as well as the challenges that persist, particularly in the realm of healthcare access and social inclusion.

The conversation delves into the critical need for improved healthcare services for people with IDD, with Ann highlighting the disparities in medical care that individuals face in both institutional and community settings. She discusses issues like inadequate dental care, polypharmacy, and the lack of training among healthcare providers to address the unique needs of this population. Ann and Dr. Escudé explore how these challenges can be overcome through better training for clinicians and more person-centered approaches to healthcare, ensuring that people with IDD receive the care they deserve.

Ann also shares exciting initiatives underway at the New York Alliance, including a new executive leadership development program aimed at building future leaders in the field of disability services. She emphasizes the importance of fostering a strong, value-driven network of professionals who are committed to inclusion, diversity, and innovation. Throughout the episode, Ann underscores the power of relationships and advocacy, encouraging listeners to share their stories and continue pushing for greater acceptance and equity for people with disabilities.