IDD Health Matters

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...

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 a...

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 int...

In this episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escude is joined by Elizabeth Martin, the CEO of Living Resources, recorded live at the New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation annual conference. Elizabeth shares her experiences and insights since joining Living Resources in September 2020, navigating the challenges of the pandemic and her transition from working with physical disabilities...

Welcome to another episode of the IDD Health Matters Podcast, hosted by Dr. Craig Escude. In this episode, Dr. Escude talks with Eric Pines, Esq., a nationally recognized federal employment lawyer, mediator, and attorney business coach. Eric discusses his work in advocating for reasonable accommodations for federal employees, particularly veterans, and those with disabilities. Eric Pines provides...

Welcome to "IDD Health Matters," the podcast dedicated to exploring health, wellness, and health equity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Hosted by Dr. Craig Escude, each episode delves into the unique challenges and innovative solutions within this specialized field of healthcare. In this episode, Dr. Escude takes a road trip to Hermitage, just outside of Nashville...

Welcome to another insightful episode of the IDD Health Matters Podcast, hosted by Dr. Craig Escude. In this episode, we delve into the critical aspects of health, wellness, and equity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our special guest, Ernest "Ernie" McNutt, joins us from the New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation, where he plays a pivotal role in ca...

Join Dr. Craig Escude on this enlightening episode of "ID Health Matters," where we delve into health, wellness, and health equity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In today's episode, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Harold Reitman, affectionately known as "Hackie," joining us from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Dr. Reitman shares his inspiring journey from a young aspiri...

Welcome to the IDD Health Matters Podcast with Dr. Craig Escude, where we explore health, wellness, and health equity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In this episode, Dr. Escude hosts Lorene Reagan, a seasoned professional with 40 years of experience in IDD nursing. Lorene shares her journey into the field, which began by chance in 1984 when she took a job a...

In this episode of IDD Health Matters, host Dr. Craig Escude is joined by Adam White from TruFit, a company dedicated to creating adaptive health and wellness solutions for individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. Adam discusses the innovative TruFit app, which customizes exercise programs and activities based on individual needs, offering a holistic approach to hea...

In this engaging episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escude welcomes Patrick Paul, a dynamic leader in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities, at the New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation conference. Patrick, the seasoned Executive Director/CEO of Anderson Center for Autism, and shares his comprehensive journey from being a CPA conducting audits for the organization...

In this engaging episode of "IDD Health Matters," Dr. Craig Escude, broadcasting from the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry conference in Denver, Colorado, delves into the innovative integration of dental and occupational therapy for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. His guests, Dr. Meelin D. Chin Kit-Wells DDS, M.Ed., a pediatric dentist, and Elizab...

Welcome to another enlightening episode of IDD Health Matters, where we delve into crucial health topics for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In today's episode, sponsored by Neurocrine Biosciences, we shed light on the often overlooked issue of Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) in people with IDD. Join Dr. Craig Escude as he welcomes Dr. Sharon Cahoon-Metzger, an expert in the...

In this episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escude welcomes Andrew Kelly to discuss health services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). With a background in healthcare insurance and pharmacy management, Kelly shares his unintentional but impactful journey into the IDD field. Initially joining a pharmacy owned by a large agency, he moved through various role...

In this enlightening episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escude engages with two specialists, Dr. Jennifer Lecomte and Dr. Wendy Aita, who are making significant strides in healthcare for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The discussion centers on their innovative practice in Southern New Jersey, which uniquely integrates primary medical care with behavioral health...

In this enlightening episode of IDD Health Matters, host Dr. Craig Escude is joined by Lisa Burck from The Arc of Mississippi. With decades of experience in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), Lisa shares her profound insights into the dynamic and responsive nature of advocacy work. The conversation delves into the multifaceted roles that The Arc plays in Mississippi, f...

In this insightful episode of the IDD Health Matters Podcast, host Dr. Craig Escude welcomes Joe MacBeth, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), to discuss the crucial role and challenges of direct support professionals (DSPs) in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Joe shares the origins and mission of the NADSP, fo...

Kirsten Sanchirico is the Vice President of Workforce Advancement at the NY Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation. Starting as a Direct Support Professional in 1993 and in her current role, Kirsten has focused on the facilitation of cultural change in the delivery of services for individuals living with intellectual disabilities. Leading The Regional Centers for Workforce Transformation (RCWT), Ki...

In this enlightening episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escude is joined by Dina Pizzurro-Smith, BSN, RN, CDDN, Director of Client Services at IntellectAbility, and Daleigh Tallent, MSN, RN, CDDN, Clinical Quality Coordinator at IntellectAbility. Both guests share their unique journeys into the field of nursing for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), highlight...

In this enlightening episode of IDD Health Matters, host Dr. Craig Escude sits down with Dr. Owen Doody, an Associate Professor at the University of Limerick and a registered Intellectual Disability Nurse. Dr. Doody shares his extensive experience and passion for intellectual disability nursing, a field he has been dedicated to since qualifying in 1997. With a career spanning over three decades, D...

In this episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escude welcomes Patricia Calandra, a passionate advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Broadcasting from the New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation conference, they delve into Patricia's personal journey as a parent of two adult children with autism, her role as a self-direction broker, and her innovative...

In this enlightening episode of IDD Health Matters, host Dr. Craig Escude welcomes David Ervin, a seasoned expert in the field of supports and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). With a career sparked by a pragmatic need that turned into a lifelong passion, Ervin shares his journey from a direct support professional to becoming the CEO of a community-ba...

In this enlightening episode of IDD Health Matters, host Dr. Craig Escude engages in a captivating conversation with Rick Guidotti, a former fashion photographer turned advocate for changing perceptions of beauty. Guidotti, the founder of Positive Exposure, shares his journey from capturing the glitz and glamour of the fashion world to spotlighting the unique beauty of individuals with intellectua...

In this episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escude welcomes back Dr. Seth Keller for a deep dive into the latest advancements in the treatment and understanding of dementia, particularly in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Dr. Keller, a seasoned expert in neurology with a focus on Alzheimer's disease, shares groundbreaking insights into the diagnosis and managemen...

Join Dr. Craig Escude on a compelling episode of IDD Health Matters, where he engages in an enlightening conversation with Cathy Ficker Terrill, a seasoned expert with 48 years of experience in the field of supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This episode delves into Cathy's extensive career, highlighting her roles from a direct support professi...