In this insightful episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escudé is joined by nurse educator Michael Sigelman, who brings a wealth of experience and passion to improving healthcare practices for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Michael shares how his early experiences shaped his career and how he now plays a crucial role in training registered nurses and direct support professionals across his state.

Together, they discuss the importance of structured nurse education, the value of trained medication employees (TMEs), and the essential role of accurate documentation in providing consistent and person-centered care. Michael also emphasizes the power of listening, knowing individual baselines, and taking time—three simple yet impactful practices that can vastly improve health outcomes.

Through real-world examples, Michael and Dr. Escudé highlight the challenges and opportunities in achieving health equity, the significance of interprofessional collaboration, and the critical need for increased clinical training in IDD care. Whether you're a clinician, DSP, policymaker, or advocate, this episode offers actionable insights into creating a more inclusive, responsive, and informed healthcare system.

👉 Learn more about the tools and training mentioned in this episode at replacingrisk.com
👉 Explore career opportunities in IDD services at friendsforliferc.com

🎧 IDD Health Matters is a joint production of Friends for Life and IntellectAbility. Subscribe for more conversations on health, wellness, and equity for people with IDD.

In this episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escudé sits down with long-time advocate and leader Shelly Chandler to explore a lifetime of service and passion in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). From growing up immersed in the world of special education to running provider agencies and leading the Iowa Association of Community Providers for 17 years, Shelly shares how her personal and professional journey continues to influence better health outcomes for individuals with IDD.

Recorded live at the Kansas InterHab Conference, this conversation dives into the challenges of bridging communication gaps between providers, healthcare professionals, and managed care organizations—and why learning to "speak the same language" is essential for improving equity in healthcare. Shelly also offers key advice on building human-centered relationships, listening without assumptions, and staying relentless in the pursuit of opportunity and dignity for every person with IDD.

🎧 Tune in to hear:

• Shelly's insights from four decades in the field

• The critical role of communication in healthcare equity

• Why managed care needs to learn the language of IDD supports

• Her three powerful pieces of advice for advocates and professionals alike

Learn more in the show notes and don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations that move the needle toward health equity.

On this episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escudé sits down with two remarkable nurses—Patty Haberkorn and Deanna Cox—at the Illinois Developmental Disabilities Nurses Conference. With a combined four decades of experience supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), Patty and Deanna share powerful insights into nursing, advocacy, communication, and the often-overlooked emotional rewards of this career path.

Patty, who began her journey as a nurse and now serves as Executive Director at Futures Unlimited, and Deanna, a dedicated nurse who found her calling in DD care after working in long-term care, both reflect on how they "fell into the field" and stayed out of passion. They open up about the gaps in nursing education regarding IDD, the importance of understanding non-verbal communication, and the critical role of baseline behavior in diagnosing health issues.

This episode covers:

• The value of advocacy from nurses and direct support professionals

• Real-world challenges in educating physicians and gaining respect for individuals with IDD

• Why knowing a person's baseline behavior is crucial for accurate medical care

• The emotional connection between care staff and the individuals they support

• Staffing and funding challenges in the IDD sector—and why passion still keeps them going

Whether you're a nurse, DSP, administrator, or someone curious about working in disability services, this conversation offers heartfelt stories and essential wisdom about the importance—and joy—of working in this field.

🔗 Learn more about IDD Health Matters and explore career opportunities:
Friends for Life Residential Care – https://www.friendsforliferc.com
IntellectAbility – https://www.replacingrisk.com