Hot take: Autistic Barbie shows us that sensory tools and AAC devices aren’t extras—they’re essentials. In health care, respecting these supports means reducing anxiety and improving outcomes. #Neurodiversity #InclusiveHealthCare https://loom.ly/oYknKAE

Natalie Symons is the director of the Milestone Health Care Quality Unit (HCQU) West in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Symons has spent her career working with individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism and has spent two decades working with Pennsylvania’s IDD community. Welcome, Natalie!

Looking for ways to make communication with patients and caregivers easier? Here are some practical tips that healthcare professionals can use to connect better with people who face communication challenges, courtesy of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). https://loom.ly/tTLvpHs

Pain may not be immediately obvious—behavioral cues are important. Learn more about identifying and managing pain in people with IDD. CE contact hours are available for all topics. https://loom.ly/_Ybjmjg

Dyane Rodriguez, Lead Nursing Supervisor at Golisano Children’s Hospital/Lee Health, champions care for individuals with IDD. With 30+ years of experience, she drives autism-friendly initiatives and trains staff to deliver exceptional, patient-centered care.

Today, Golisano Fellows heard an outstanding presentation on ableism from Dr. Suzanne Smeltzer, internationally recognized author and professor emerita from Villanova University. Her presentation included this TEDx Talk from writer and advocate Alycia Anderson. Watch : https://loom.ly/tk8kQZ4

Thank you to the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry for your support of nurses serving people with IDD! https://loom.ly/RpvK578

Meet Golisano Fellow Ashley Asberry! Ashley serves individuals with IDD as a nurse at St. Louis Arc and as a volunteer at the Living Independently Now Center. Driven by her passion for mental health, she plans to advance her education as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Today is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Over 1B people with disabilities face health inequities globally. The Golisano Institute is driving change through inclusive education—because everyone deserves life-saving care. Video by the @WHO.int below. youtu.be/UnXG1lO04SE?...

Fisher nursing students put population health into action this fall! From community events to the Special Olympics, they gained hands-on experience caring for individuals with IDD. Read more: https://loom.ly/1H3lsFc

Meet Stephanie Bakker! She is a faculty member at the Wegmans School of Nursing at St. John Fisher University, nurse practitioner, and inclusion advocate who is passionate about improving health care outcomes and quality of life for individuals with IDD through collaboration and systemic change.

The Golisano Institute has created an engaging course with practical information to help nurses recognize and manage pain in patients with IDD. CE contact hours are available. You can also find us on HealthStream or NurseGrid, which may be available through your institution. https://loom.ly/2OmmEA4

Golisano Children’s Hospital at Lee Health recently provided critical support to a statewide effort to locate and safely return 122 missing or endangered children in Florida. Golisano Fellow Dyane Rodriguez is quoted in this story. Read more about this vital work! https://loom.ly/PfWwd1w

Meet Dr. Rebecca Weston, assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Nursing. She champions inclusive healthcare, created the elective “Exploring Disability in Healthcare,” and is driving change through disability-focused education and advocacy to ensure equitable care for all.

Welcome back, Dr. Patricia West! Assistant professor at MSU and 2023–2024 Golisano Fellow, Dr. West specializes in nursing, disability, and family care. Her research focuses on communication tech for adolescents with developmental disorders and inclusive education.

The Golisano Institute is in Buffalo, NY, today, hosting “Navigating Complex Needs,” a workshop for IDD professionals at People, Inc. Topics include well-being strategies, psychopharmacology insights, and team approaches to improve outcomes. #IDD #HealthcareInnovation

Thrilled to welcome Dr. Renáta Tichá back as a Mentor in the Golisano Fellowship Program! As research director and senior associate at the University of Minnesota, she focuses on developing and evaluating interventions for people with IDD.

Aging with IDD brings unique challenges—especially when caregivers are aging too. Our systems aren’t built for this. We need better policies and real conversations about future care. 🧠🏠👥 🔗 https://loom.ly/tpvHpXs

A fall checkup can prevent winter setbacks. Schedule annual visits for medication reviews to detect side effects, such as dizziness, and vision exams to ensure safe navigation in changing environments.

Not every sign of pain looks the same. For people with intellectual disabilities, pain is often missed or misattributed. Our learning module helps nurses uncover hidden pain and challenge biases in acute care. Ensure every patient is understood and supported.   https://loom.ly/_Ybjmjg

Dr. Deborah Napolitano is an associate professor at Daemen University and a consultant at the Golisano Institute. She is a prolific and exceptional researcher and policy advocate for IDD and behavioral analysis. We are so grateful to have her as a mentor this year for the Golisano Fellowship!

Massachusetts’s PARA-AIDD pilot aims to reduce ER visits for individuals with IDD by providing in-home care from physicians and paramedics. Services include assessments, labs, and imaging across 13 communities. Learn more: https://loom.ly/WNJUx6s

Join the NTG for a free webinar: "Capturing Observations of Change Using the NTG-EDSD" on Mon, Nov 17, 2025, 7–8pm ET via Zoom. Learn about this dementia screening tool & register today! https://loom.ly/lW80S4k https://loom.ly/GaZSOzM

Autumn layers should strike a balance between warmth, safety, and comfort. Individuals with IDD may struggle to regulate temperature. Dress in easy-to-remove layers, avoid scarves or loose clothing that pose hazards, and monitor for overheating or chill.

We’re celebrating 7 years of the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing! Thank you for supporting our mission to empower nurses and champion inclusion. We are deeply grateful to everyone who shares our commitment to transforming the quality of care and support for people with IDD.

Dr. Mary Reidy is an IDD nurse and educator at South East Technological University and a Golisano Fellowship alumnus. She works as an academic nurse & researcher, focusing on the mental health of nurses, substance abuse, and targeted health promotion of vulnerable groups. Welcome back, Dr. Reidy.

A new article by Dr. Holly Brown and Dr. Sarah Ailey highlights the importance of plain language in patient portals. Clear reports empower patients to ask questions, engage in care, and advocate for themselves, turning visits into active participation and promoting equity. https://loom.ly/rw1gIcs

Movement helps prevent falls and boosts health, but colder, darker months can reduce activity. Caregivers can promote indoor balance exercises like seated Tai Chi, while seasonal walks with loved ones offer connection. Adapt routines for rainy or icy days to stay active.

Can you recognize when your patient is in pain? Aggression or agitation may be their way of saying, “This hurts.” Take our 45-minute course for nurses in acute care to learn practical pain management strategies for patients with IDD. CE hours available: https://loom.ly/_Ybjmjg

We’re excited to welcome Fellowship Mentor Dr. Melissa Leisen, Interim Director of Lab and Experiential Learning and assistant professor of nursing at Marymount University. Her recent work has focused on a toolkit to create experiential learning opportunities for students. Welcome, Dr. Leisen!

Golisano Faculty Fellow Dr. Ellen Donald was featured for FGCU’s Adaptive Sports Day, where individuals with disabilities explored kayaking, tennis & more. With PT/OT student support, the event highlighted inclusive care & hands-on learning. #IDD #AdaptiveSports https://loom.ly/VD-je6o

Sensory-rich fall activities can soothe and engage individuals with IDD. Try apple tasting, gluten-free apple cinnamon playdough, or glittery fall-themed slime to explore flavor, texture, and smell while strengthening social bonds.

Congrats to Dr. Jane Tobias, who will be inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing this weekend! She joins 3,200+ Fellows advancing health equity through nursing leadership, innovation, and science. https://loom.ly/q4CyVpY

Mentor Dr. Rebecca Kronk is an associate dean and professor at Duquesne University. A clinical and research expert in the area of genetic conditions and IDD, Dr. Kronk seeks to build community initiatives promoting creativity and enhance the nursing curriculum to improve competencies and treatment.

Bias in healthcare can lead people with IDD to delay or skip care, worsening health outcomes. A CQL study links provider discrimination to lost trust and poor access. Want to improve care? Explore our “Bias and Its Impact on Health” module: https://loom.ly/JyxuYLc 🔗 Study: https://loom.ly/IX75Wag

As leaves fall and surfaces become slick, individuals with IDD—who may already have balance or mobility challenges—face increased risk of falls. Encourage caregivers to remove clutter from walkways, use mobility aids as prescribed, ensure proper clothing fit, and improve lighting in homes.

Training in IDD care can reduce hospital stays & improve outcomes. A Canadian study shows people with IDD are overrepresented in long-term psychiatric care facilities and cared for by inexperienced staff. Golisano Institute helps address these gaps. https://loom.ly/LWJyjKY https://loom.ly/HfpRVPE

Dr. Cathy Koetting, associate professor at Stephens College and Golisano Fellow alum, returns this year as a mentor. She brings extensive teaching experience and a background in researching health outcomes in individuals with IDD. Welcome back to the Fellowship, Dr. Koetting!

Dr. Holly Brown attended the Golisano Foundation's 40th anniversary, where Special Olympics honored the 2025 Global Golisano Health Leadership Award recipients. Dr. Brown had the honor of meeting Loretta Claiborne, athlete and Chief Inspiration Officer at Special Olympics. https://loom.ly/ulLoPQ4

Project DIME is a vital step toward health equity for people with disabilities. Nurses must be part of this change, and we support making disability a required part of pre-licensure education across all health professions. https://loom.ly/oYtTQDw

A recent study published in the American Journal of Critical Care recommends specialized training for clinicians who care for individuals with IDD. Read to learn more, and then explore the Golisano Institute's online continuing education modules. https://loom.ly/wUApaoE https://loom.ly/HfpRVPE

A recent study published in the American Journal of Critical Care recommends specialized training for clinicians who care for individuals with IDD. Read to learn more, and then explore the Golisano Institute's online continuing education modules. https://loom.ly/wUApaoE https://loom.ly/HfpRVPE

Dr. Sinead Foran is an assistant professor at Dublin City University. As an RNID, she has worked with patients with ID and their families for more than 20 years. Dr. Foran is experienced in many environments our Golisano Fellows will encounter in their work. Welcome, Dr. Foran!

Most autistic adults over 40 are undiagnosed, says a new King's College London study. They face the same health disparities as people with IDD. Another reason all health providers should receive inclusive education on working with IDD patients--it improves care for everyone. https://loom.ly/mHrN_8E

The Rosemary Collaboratory Initiative has created a new report that highlights health outcomes, challenges, and promising practices based on feedback from people with IDD, their families, and healthcare workers. Check it out! https://loom.ly/V7zW4fE

Golisano Fellowship Mentor Elizabeth Eng is a Daisy Award-winning clinical nurse at Miami Valley Hospital known for her advocacy for patients with IDD. Her work has helped educate hospital staff to improve care for patients with IDD, and we are looking forward to her sharing her expertise this year!

A new study shows implicit bias in healthcare—especially around race and disability—can hinder equitable care for patients with IDD. Those with higher bias were more likely to view patients as having challenging behaviors and a lower quality of life. https://loom.ly/FVnn7hk

Welcome, Heather Damiano, MSN, CRNP, CPNP-PC! Heather is a pediatric nurse practitioner at CHOP with 15+ years in NICU care. She advocates for inclusive healthcare and awareness of the complex needs of children with IDD. We're excited to have her join us as a Golisano Fellowship mentor!

ICYMI: The Golisano Institute launched a groundbreaking online curriculum to help nurses deliver equitable care to patients with IDD. Self-paced, CE-eligible, and packed with practical tools to improve outcomes and experiences. Explore the modules today! https://loom.ly/PUryOrM