On Tuesday, July 23rd, the United States Capitol became a focal point for an urgent and impactful discussion on healthcare disparities faced by individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). The “Closing the Gap: People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities as a Medically Underserved Population” roundtable event was a collaborative effort hosted by Representative Seth Moulton, Achieva, the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, and the NYU Dentistry: Center for Oral Health Policy and Management.
The event gathered a diverse group of policymakers, healthcare professionals, advocates, and community members to spotlight the significant challenges and barriers to healthcare access that the IDD community faces. Representative Moulton opened the discussion, by emphasizing the personal significance of designating individuals with IDD as a Medically Underserved Population. The Healthcare Extension and Accessibility for Developmental Disabilities and Underserved Populations Act, known as the HEADs UP Act, is inspired by Moulton’s late uncle, Andrew, who was born with Down syndrome. Despite medical advice to institutionalize him, Moulton’s grandparents chose to raise Andrew at home, integrating him into their family of eight children. "Far from burdening our family, he brightened our lives every day," Moulton shared.
Throughout the roundtable, expert panelists shared insights and proposed actionable solutions to address these disparities. The discussions covered a wide range of topics, including the importance of integrating oral health into overall healthcare, the need for specialized training for healthcare providers, and the role of public policy in fostering equitable healthcare access.
The panel featured leading experts in inclusive healthcare: Dr. Adiaha Spinks-Franklin, President of the Society for Developmental Pediatrics; Dr. Mai Pham, Founder and CEO of the Institute for Exceptional Care; Dr. Rick Rader, Director of the Morton J. Kent Habilitation Center at Orange Grove Center; Dr. Steve Perlman, creator of the Special Olympics Special Smiles and Healthy Athletes Programs at the request of Eunice Kennedy Shriver; Shawn Aleong, disability rights self-advocate and Biden appointee to the President’s Council on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities; and Amged Soliman, Senior Attorney-Advisor at the National Council on Disability.
One of the event's highlights was the Oral Health + Disability Exhibit by Rick Guidotti of Positive Exposure, which the FISA Foundation sponsored. This evocative and powerful collection of photographs challenged stereotypes and celebrated the beauty and individuality of people with disabilities. The exhibit provided a visual narrative that complemented the day's discussions, reinforcing the message of inclusivity and the need for a more compassionate healthcare system.
The roundtable event also underscored the importance of collaboration among organizations dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with IDD. Achieva, the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, and the NYU Dentistry Center for Oral Health Policy and Management demonstrated their commitment to this cause by partnering on this crucial initiative.
The “Closing the Gap” event was a step forward in advocating for the rights and well-being of people with IDD. It served as a call to action for all stakeholders to work together in creating a healthcare system that is inclusive, accessible, and equitable for everyone.
Stay tuned for more updates on efforts to close the healthcare gap for individuals with IDD, and join us in advocating for a brighter, more inclusive future.
By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, the “Closing the Gap” roundtable exemplified the power of collaboration in addressing pressing healthcare issues. Let's continue to support and amplify these efforts as we strive for a more just and equitable society.
