In this episode of the IDD Health Matters Podcast, Dr. Craig Escudé sits down with John Silfies, keynote speaker at the Kansas InterHab Conference and founder of Silfies Media, a company dedicated to making the developmental disabilities (DD) field famous.

John shares his journey from Direct Support Professional (DSP) to marketing expert, emphasizing the power of storytelling in raising awareness, attracting new professionals, and celebrating the lives of individuals with disabilities. He discusses how his media company helps provider agencies, government organizations, and local communities by crafting impactful videos and social media campaigns that highlight the real stories and achievements within the IDD field.

Throughout the conversation, John and Dr. Escudé explore the importance of mental health and gratitude in a field that is often stressful but deeply rewarding. They discuss how sharing stories fosters connection, increases retention among DSPs, and strengthens community support for IDD services.

John also shares a powerful success story of how his company’s videos have helped counties pass critical funding levies and amplified the voices of individuals with disabilities, proving that visibility and awareness can drive real change.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the impact of storytelling, the importance of celebrating even the smallest victories, and the dedication of those working in the IDD field.

🔗 Learn more about John’s work at Silfies Media
🔗 Explore resources from IntellectAbility at ReplacingRisk.com

On this episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escudé sits down with Johnathon Crumley, Chief Operations Officer of IntellectAbility, to discuss his unexpected journey into the field of intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) support. Originally planning a career as a military chaplain, Jonathan's path shifted when he discovered his passion for improving services and quality of life for individuals with IDD. In this insightful conversation, Johnathon shares how person-centered thinking, proactive healthcare approaches, and celebrating small wins can transform support systems. He also dives into the critical work IntellectAbility is doing to provide tools, training, and resources that enhance care for people with IDD. Tune in to learn how balancing health, safety, and personal choice leads to a more fulfilling life for individuals with disabilities. For more information on IntellectAbility’s resources, visit ReplacingRisk.com.

In this episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escudé welcomes Sharon Parker Love, a nurse with 56 years of experience, to discuss her journey in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) nursing. Recorded at the Illinois Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association Conference, Sharon shares her remarkable career—from starting with a state grant program to dedicating over three decades to Trinity Services, where she has helped individuals with dual diagnoses and complex medical needs.

Sharon dives into her work in crisis prevention, recounting heartbreaking and inspiring stories of individuals in need, including an individual who spent eight months in an emergency room before receiving proper care. She emphasizes the importance of observation skills, direct care staff training, and a detective-like approach to uncovering hidden medical conditions that often manifest as behavioral challenges.

Tune in for invaluable insights into the evolving role of nurses in IDD care and the crucial need for more professionals in this field.

Welcome to another insightful episode of IDD Health Matters, hosted by Craig Escudé, MD, FAAFP, FAADM, president of IntellectAbility. In this episode, we explore pioneering approaches to healthcare for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Join us as Dr. Escude welcomes two distinguished guests from the international arena: Professor Angela Hassiotis from University College London and Dr. Rory Sheehan from King's College London.

Professor Hassiotis, a seasoned consultant psychiatrist in the NHS, delves into her groundbreaking research and clinical work aimed at personalizing interventions for aggressive challenging behaviors in adults with IDD. She shares the promising beginnings of the PETAL study in the UK, designed to offer multimodal interventions to those in need.

Dr. Sheehan discusses his role as a senior clinical lecturer and psychiatrist, focusing on patients with learning disabilities who encounter legal issues. He highlights the significance of utilizing large data sets to improve care delivery and touches upon the disparities in psychotropic medication use among the IDD population.

Together, they discuss the intricacies of the UK's National Health Service and the critical need for specialized training and capacity building in the field of intellectual disability psychiatry.

This episode not only sheds light on innovative research and clinical practices but also emphasizes the importance of incorporating lived experiences to enhance intervention strategies.

For more insights and detailed discussions on improving healthcare outcomes for the IDD community, tune into this episode of IDD Health Matters. Don't forget to check the show notes for more information and links to further resources.

In this insightful episode of IDD Health Matters, hosted by Craig Escudé, MD, FAAFP, FAADM, president of IntellectAbility, welcomes Dr. Brandi Kelly, the Clinical Director for Louisiana's Developmental Disability Office. Dr. Kelly discusses her pivotal role in overseeing the state's virtual Resource Center, focusing on enhancing community and provider skills to better serve individuals with co-occurring intellectual, developmental, behavioral, and complex medical needs. Highlighting the unique challenges and innovative solutions in Louisiana, Dr. Kelly shares her personal connection to the field through her sister's experiences and emphasizes the importance of wellness, relationships, and clear communication in healthcare. Join us as we explore how simple adaptations in treatment and care can significantly impact health equity for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Welcome to another enlightening episode of IDD Health Matters, hosted by Craig Escudé, MD, FAAFP, FAADM, president of IntellectAbility, where we delve into health, wellness, and equity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In this episode, we are joined by the talented Cody Clark, a magician and autistic self-advocate from Louisville, Kentucky. From a magical beginning in Gulf Shores, Alabama, Cody shares how a family vacation and an inspiring stage moment sparked his journey into the world of magic at the age of eleven. This episode isn't just about tricks; it's about transformation and advocacy. Cody discusses how embracing his autism publicly became a crucial part of his performances, allowing him to connect deeply with audiences and foster understanding about autism through his art. Cody also sheds light on how healthcare providers can better support individuals with autism, stressing the importance of clear communication and sensory-friendly environments. From the quietness of a dentist's office to the challenges at the pediatrician, Cody's insights offer invaluable advice for medical professionals. Tune in as Cody performs a couple of his thoughtful magic tricks live, demonstrating how magic can not only entertain but also educate and advocate for the autism community. Don't miss this magical blend of art and advocacy that Cody brings to our show. For more about Cody's work or to book him for an event, visit CodyClarkMagic.com. Dive deeper into this episode's content by watching the video version on our YouTube channel at IDD Health Matters Podcast.

Join Dr. Craig Escude in this enlightening episode of IDD Health Matters as he sits down with Robert Scholz from the University of New Hampshire's Institute on Disability. Robert shares in-depth insights into the National Center for START Services, a pioneering program designed to provide mental health support and crisis prevention for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Starting in the late 1980s in Massachusetts, START has expanded nationwide, aiming to address healthcare disparities and improve access to mental health services for the IDD community. Listen as Robert discusses the program's origins, its evolution, and the real-world impact it has on families and individuals across the country. This episode is a must-hear for anyone interested in mental health advocacy and the innovative approaches to supporting those with IDD. For more details on START and how it could benefit your community, visit the link in our show notes.

In this compelling episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escudé sits down with Cathy Service, a nurse practitioner with decades of experience in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Cathy shares her inspiring journey, from her early days working in a state institution to becoming a leader in dementia care for individuals with IDD.

Listen as Cathy discusses the challenges and triumphs of transitioning from institutional care to community-based supports, the importance of education and training for healthcare providers, and her pioneering work in dementia care. She emphasizes the need to honor each individual's unique story and highlights strategies for fostering well-being across the lifespan.

From her research on aging and dementia to her advocacy for inclusion and kindness in community settings, Cathy’s insights are both thought-provoking and practical. Whether you're a healthcare professional, caregiver, or advocate, this episode offers valuable lessons on creating meaningful, person-centered care for people with IDD.

Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with wisdom, compassion, and actionable advice.

🎧 Learn more about resources mentioned in this episode by visiting the links in the show notes!