Friends For Life Podcast

In this episode of IDD Health Matters , Dr. Craig Escudé welcomes Mary Brogan, the state director for developmental disability services in Hawaii. Mary shares her extensive experience managing programs that impact individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including the oversight of the 1915(c) Medicaid Waiver and neurotrauma services. She highlights the unique challenges...

In this episode of the  Friends for Life Podcast , Tony Stuart dives into the effects of political ads on the individuals within the IDD community. Drawing on his extensive experience as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), Tony reflects on how divisive messages in the media can impact those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, often causing confusion and frustration. He encourages a...

In this episode of the Friends for Life Podcast, we dive into a timely update for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients who will notice a unique payment schedule in the coming months. With a few quirks in the calendar, SSI beneficiaries will receive two payments in November as December's payment will arrive early due to the first of the month falling on a weekend. This adjustment means no...

In this episode of the IDD Health Matters Podcast, Dr. Craig Escudé is joined by John Raffaele, Director of Educational Services at the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), for a candid conversation about the evolving role of direct support professionals (DSPs) and their impact on the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Recorded live from...

In this heartfelt episode of the Friends for Life Podcast, we meet a dedicated nursing supervisor who found her calling in home care after a life-changing shift during the pandemic. Transitioning from long-term care in 2020, she discovered a deep passion for home health services, where she quickly rose to a supervisory role. In this position, she provides critical oversight, ensuring patients' med...

In this episode of the Friends for Life Podcast, Tony Stuart dives into the untapped political power of the disability community, exploring how an estimated 40.2 million eligible voters with disabilities could influence the upcoming presidential election. This episode highlights eye-opening statistics from Rutgers University and examines the growing influence of this often-overlooked electorate, w...

In this episode of the IDD Health Matters Podcast, host Dr. Craig Escudé welcomes Valerie Bradley, a pioneer in the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) field. Valerie is the president and co-founder of the Human Services Research Institute (HSRI), an organization dedicated to advancing policies and practices in human services. With over four decades of experience, Valerie has been at...

In this episode of the Friends for Life Podcast, we sit down with Jasmine Wingate, who shares her incredible journey with the organization. Starting as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), Jasmine reflects on how her path evolved through the encouragement and support of the Friends for Life team. She talks about the growth she's experienced, both personally and professionally, and the genuine conn...

In this episode of the Friends for Life Podcast, we dive into the recent announcement from the Social Security Administration about a 2.5% increase in Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for 2025. This cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is tied to inflation and will provide a much-needed financial boost to millions of Americans, including many individuals with disabilitie...

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 tal...

In this episode, Tony Stuart and the Friends for Life team are back to touch base on the latest developments. Tony shares his personal journey of growth, both as a leader and as a business owner. He dives deep into the challenges of balancing non-stop movement with results-driven success, emphasizing the importance of dedication and passion in the Direct Support field. The conversation explores th...

In this episode of the Friends for Life Podcast , Tony Stuart dives deep into the crucial role Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) play in enhancing the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). DSPs are at the heart of empowering individuals with IDD by helping them build skills for greater independence. From learning personal care routines to managing daily tas...

Join Dr. Craig Escudé on IDD Health Matters as he welcomes Dr. Kelly Nye-Lengerman, a seasoned social worker and the Director at the University of New Hampshire's Institute on Disability. In this episode, Dr. Nye-Lengerman delves into her work at the institute, focusing on increasing inclusion and belonging across the lifespan and experiences of disability. With a rich background in both direct su...

In this engaging episode of the Friends for Life Podcast, Tony Stuart addresses a compelling question: Are you too old to be a Direct Support Professional (DSP)? Tony dismantles the common misconception that age disqualifies individuals from contributing effectively in the disability support field, especially within intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) communities. He passionately argue...

In this episode of the Friends for Life Podcast, Tony Stuart dives into the modern challenges faced by professionals working in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). One of the biggest hurdles is the severe shortage of qualified personnel, particularly direct support professionals (DSPs), who provide essential care and support. The conversation sheds light on how high tu...

In this episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escudé is joined by Dr. Michele Cantanzerite, Chief Medical Officer at Achievable Health, a federally qualified health center in Culver City, California. Together, they dive into Michele's journey into the field of healthcare for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). From a chance start to now leading a healthcare facil...

In this episode, Tony Stuart dives deep into the process of finding the right agency or independent provider for individuals and families navigating care decisions. Drawing from his extensive experience and charismatic personality, Tony offers valuable insights on what to look for when choosing a provider. From meeting the staff to understanding their experience, pay rates, and benefits, he emphas...

Welcome to this enlightening episode of the Friends for Life Podcast, where we delve into the intricate world of healthcare for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). In this episode, we explore the severe, chronic nature of IDDs, which can manifest before the age of 22 and impact individuals throughout their lives. Our discussion highlights the types of IDDs, such as cere...

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)...

In this episode of the Friends for Life Podcast, Tony Stuart delves into a significant issue faced by Direct Support Professionals (DSPs): resignations. Tony addresses the common tendency for DSPs and even those in executive and administrative positions to leave a job when faced with challenges. While understanding that some positions may not be the right fit, he encourages individuals to ask them...

In this enlightening episode of the Friends for Life Podcast, we delve into the transformative concept of neurodiversity in the workplace. Discover how leading companies like Microsoft and SAP are not just accommodating but actively seeking out neurodiverse individuals to enhance their workforce. Through initiatives like Microsoft's "Neurodiversity Hiring Program" and SAP's "Autism at Work," these...

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 dein...

In this candid episode of the Friends for Life Podcast, Tony Stuart dives into a conversation that might challenge your perspective on the field of Direct Support Professionals (DSP). Tony addresses the common complaint that "there's no money in this field" and offers a different take—there is money, but it's tied to skill development and personal growth. He reflects on his own journey and the rea...

In this episode of the Friends for Life Podcast, we explore a groundbreaking development in the field of autism diagnosis—artificial intelligence (AI). As families across the globe seek faster and more accurate diagnoses for their children, the traditional process can be slow and overwhelming. We dive into the latest research on how AI is being harnessed to transform this process, potentially cutt...

Dr. Carl Tyler is a leading figure in the field of healthcare for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). He is the current president of the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD), an organization dedicated to improving healthcare for people with IDD through education, advocacy, and policy efforts. Dr. Tyler is also a professor of family medici...