People with IDD have poorer cancer outcomes than their peers without disabilities. A new scoping review examines how people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are included in cancer research, offering insights to drive more inclusive studies. https://loom.ly/mcFhjGo

Supported Decision Making is an alternative to guardianship for people with IDD, supporting autonomy in choices about health, finances, and relationships. A new program in Saratoga Springs aims to expand these supports. www.news10.com/video/new-st...

People with IDD are disproportionately affected by oral health issues. A new grant-funded program at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health seeks to address this by providing young dentists with experience working with people with IDD and other disabilities. Learn more: https://loom.ly/i_lpPFw

ICYMI: Executive Director Dr. Holly Brown was recognized with the Diversity and Equity Award from the International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses (ISPN). Congratulations, Dr. Brown! https://loom.ly/tZYgCw4

A new book chapter by Dr. Carli Friedman (CQL) and Dr. Laura VanPuymbrouch (Rush University) examines how people with disabilities experience discrimination in healthcare—and how these inequities contribute to poorer health outcomes. https://loom.ly/BKgadfU

A recent study revealed that adults with IDD experience more frequent and severe symptoms of anxiety and depression, a higher level of psychiatric medication use, and more barriers to counseling and therapy than their peers without IDD. https://loom.ly/Jf7rcEc

April is Autism Acceptance Month. For nurses, inclusive care for people with autism and other IDDs may mean flexible communication, sensory supports, and partnering with caregivers. Building these skills helps ensure respectful, accessible care for all patients. https://loom.ly/PM2pYH4.

Dr. Holly Brown presented “Uncovering the Hidden Causes: Medical Screening as the First Step in Managing Interfering Behaviors” at a recent summit, highlighting how behaviors are often a symptom, rather than the root problem facing people with IDD. Watch the webinar: https://loom.ly/hjwATnE

Proud to see 2021–2022 Golisano Fellow Melissa Desroches present early findings from her study, Articulating the Value of Developmental Disabilities Nurses in the U.S., at ENRS 38—highlighting the vital role of DD nurses. https://loom.ly/vs8z69I

Meet Julia Harris, a self‑advocate from Buffalo, NY. Julia shares a powerful perspective on the lived experiences of people with developmental disabilities, and the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing is honored to amplify her voice. https://loom.ly/gMo42M8

To help ensure safe and comfortable transportation in challenging weather, prepare vehicles for winter with proper tires, heating, and emergency kits. Allow extra travel time to avoid rushing and bring blankets for long rides. Remember, safety during transit is just as important as at home.

Congratulations to Golisano Fellow Dr. Celia McIntosh! Dr. McIntosh was recently inducted into the National Academies of Practice (NAP) as a Distinguished Public Policy Fellow in the Nursing Academy. https://loom.ly/je5rTGk

This Wednesday, Jersey Mike’s will host its Day of Giving, with 100% of all sales benefiting Special Olympics athletes preparing for the 2026 USA Games in Minnesota. Stop by to say hello, enjoy a great meal, and support athletes on their journey to the 2026 Summer Games! https://loom.ly/jyJW1y4

A recent study from 2025-2026 Golisano Fellow Dr. Rebecca Weston highlights the measurable impact of integrating disability-focused education into undergraduate nursing curricula at the University of Maryland School of Nursing. https://loom.ly/X4OY3lE

Congratulations to Executive Director Holly Brown! Last week, Dr. Brown received the Diversity and Equity Award from the International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses (ISPN). We’re grateful for her vision, her passion, and the change she continues to champion every day.

This Saturday, March 21, is #WorldDownSyndromeDay. The Golisano Institute is proud to join the global voices advocating for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of people with Down syndrome. https://loom.ly/EXEl9dY

Today, the Golisano Fellows attended a powerful session with Judith Ursitti of the Profound Autism Alliance, learning how people with profound autism are often excluded from community life, health care, and research—and about efforts to improve representation and care.

Winter storms can lead to power outages or travel delays. To stay prepared for emergencies, keep extra medications, adaptive equipment, non-perishable food, and bottled water on hand. Have flashlights, batteries, and a backup heat source ready. Ensure phones are charged.

Last Friday, the Golisano Institute had the pleasure of working with author, innovator, and icon Bernadette Melnyk. We are in the early stages of planning the first global nursing summit on IDD and Bernadette has been invaluable as we fine-tune direction, strategy, and focus for this exciting event!

There was a time when many people with developmental disabilities were hidden, segregated, or excluded from community life. History matters. Not for nostalgia — for understanding. #DDAM2026 @nacdd.bsky.social

Winter brings unique challenges for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and those who care for them. Use social stories or visual aids to explain winter safety routines. Keep instructions simple and accessible for all communication levels.

ICYMI: Executive Director Dr. Holly Brown joined Lynette Adams on this week’s Rochester in Focus to highlight the health disparities affecting people with IDD—and how the Golisano Institute is using education to drive change.. https://loom.ly/bTw-pQA

The Golisano Institute is proud to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Month with the launch of the @nacdd.bsky.social "We’re Here: Then, Now, Always" campaign. #DDAM2026 https://loom.ly/Lsh7nqc

The Festival of Inclusion is happening NOW at Nazareth University! Stop by the Golisano Institute table and grab a pinwheel!

Visit the Golisano Institute at the Festival of Inclusion this Saturday, March 7—more than 100 organizations will be present, along with food trucks, games, adaptive sports, and more!

Next Tuesday, join Executive Director Holly Brown at the Bridging the Hope and the How Conference organized by Starbridge. Dr. Brown will be a panelist for a discussion on how to bridge the gaps in healthcare and human services for people with disabilities. https://loom.ly/MhIfq1o

Join Holly Brown, DNP, RN, PMHNP-BC, PMHCS and other national disability experts for a day of learning focused on IDD and complex behavioral needs. Register today! acany.org/virtual-summ...

Can tech be used to increase physical activity among adolescents with intellectual disabilities? Golisano Fellowship Mentors Patricia West and Brian Abery recently published an article in the Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities looking at this question. https://loom.ly/9KxTHGA

Golisano Fellow Rebecca Weston shares a story of conversation, discovery, and growth that resulted from a course requirement at the University of Maryland School of Nursing. https://loom.ly/c3fudvE

Cold air can quickly sap moisture from your skin, so take simple steps to protect yourself and those you care for during colder weather. Moisturize daily, use lip protection, and monitor extremities for any signs of frostbite, especially after spending time outdoors.

Brad Lomax was a key leader in both Civil Rights and Disability Rights. As a Black Panther, he helped support the 1977 504 Sit‑in with vital food and medical aid, enabling the month‑long protest that led to enforcing Section 504. Learn more at the Center for Learner Equity. https://loom.ly/n43xl-c

The Wegmans School of Nursing recently received grant funding for IDD-focused AR/VR simulations. This initiative will help develop a workforce of well-prepared nurses who can confidently and effectively support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. https://loom.ly/xWP5vqY

Congrats to Dr. Joseph Buhain, Golisano Faculty Fellow, on his feature in Education Technology Insights! His work at FGCU explores the use of AI, holograms, and immersive simulation to elevate interprofessional learning and strengthen clinical readiness. https://loom.ly/BpHhwhw

Congratulations, Cori, on your gold medal this weekend at the Special Olympics Winter Games! Everyone at the Golisano Institute is so proud of you! youtube.com/shorts/3GfgE...

Cori Piels, an inclusion specialist at the Golisano Institute, will compete in the @specialolympicsny.bsky.social Winter Games this weekend at Tim Hortons Iceplex. A 20+ year participant, she also mentors fellow athletes. Good luck to Cori and all competitors! youtube.com/shorts/aG313...

A stable environment can help lower stress and prevent sensory overload. Keep indoor spaces comfortable this winter by maintaining steady temperatures between 68–72°F, reducing drafts around windows and doors, and offering cozy items like blankets and warm socks.

Bessie Blount, a pioneer in assistive tech, created the first self‑feeding device for people with arm amputations or paralysis. When the VA rejected it, she donated the design to the French military—leaving a legacy of innovation driven by compassion. https://loom.ly/ajR2yPs

📢Shout out to Golisano Fellow Stephanie Baker, who was on Friday's edition of Connections! Stephanie joined other nurse leaders to discuss issues facing the nursing workforce, including visa changes and proposals to alter nursing's professional degree status. Watch now! https://loom.ly/eR4shAE

Inclusion Specialist (and @SpecialOlympicsNewYork athlete) Cori Piels shares which competitions she's most excited to watch, as well as how she'll be participating in the upcoming Special Olympics Winter Games.Cori!https://youtube.com/shorts/Fohr-j9B8G0?feature=share

Winter brings unique challenges for individuals with IDD and those who care for them. Limit time outside during extreme cold and schedule warm-up breaks indoors every 15–20 minutes. Offer warm drinks like tea or cocoa, but avoid excessive caffeine or sugar.

“Racism and ableism are similar, in the sense that they foist society’s limitations—in imagination and in empathy—onto individuals who don’t look or act like everyone else.” An Atlantic article examines what it’s like to be Black and disabled in America. #BlackHistoryMonth https://loom.ly/BYXF5B4#BlackHistoryMonth

A recent study reveals that many people with substance use disorders (SUD) also have an intellectual disability—but too often, one of these conditions goes unnoticed. Effective support starts with recognizing the full picture. https://loom.ly/SJDLLwM

Inclusion Specialist Cor Piels shares which Winter Olympics events she's most excited to watch this weekend! What's your favorite Olympic event? 🏅https://youtube.com/shorts/EGvKdG539gE

❄️Winter brings unique challenges for individuals with IDD and those who care for them. Weather conditions can make it harder to move around safely. Choose footwear with reliable traction, keep walkways free of snow and ice, and check mobility devices for buildup that could affect stability.

This month, we’re elevating powerful stories at the intersection of #BlackHistory, disability, and health care. Check out this article on why embracing intersectionality isn’t optional—it’s essential to delivering higher‑quality care for Black patients. https://loom.ly/rUivxWs

📢 We’re live — and easier to explore than ever! The Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing has launched its new website, designed with a cleaner layout, simpler navigation, and quicker access to the resources you need. 🌐 Explore the new site: https://loom.ly/DsPJWhY

✨ The Golisano Institute’s Primary Care Residency was recently spotlighted in Fisher News! 🔗 Learn more about how this innovative residency is helping transform the future of primary care for people with IDD. https://loom.ly/o4bM2bg

Winter Care Tip: Individuals with IDD may not recognize when they are too cold or overheated. Watch for signs such as shivering, pale skin, fatigue, or confusion. Use visual aids, such as thermometers or picture charts, to help communicate “safe” vs. “too cold.”

📢New Publication Alert! Golisano Fellowship alums Elizabeth Eng, (2023-24), and Dr. Melissa Bourne, (2021-22), recently published “Equipping a Health System for Care of Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities,” in the Online Journal of Issues in Nursing. https://loom.ly/8E_9lzA

✨ This week, Darcie Mersereau and Dr. Holly Brown visited Florida to collaborate with the Golisano Children’s Alliance, Golisano Children's Hospital at Lee Health, FSU's Family Medicine residents at Lee Health, and FGCU's IDD Think Tank—sharing resources to support kids and youth with IDD.💛✨