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Aspire Forums
AAIDD is pleased to announce the Aspire Forums. The Aspire Forums launched in May 2012 with a series featuring influential thought leaders in the field of intellectual and developmental disability. These visionaries will offer enriching opportunities to engage in critical thinking around some of the most salient issues of our generation.
*Participation is free and limited to AAIDD members.
Register today to become a part of the Aspire Forums and interact with some of the most progressive-minded leaders in the field. Registration is now open for the first forum!
Members who register will receive an email with a direct link to the forum to participate the morning of the forum. Each morning for one week the featured leader will spark the discussion with a unique comment, thought, or quote for contributors to deepen the conversation by engaging throughout the day. We encourage participation with vigor through the contribution of comments, posing of questions, and reactions to the comments of fellow forum contributors.
*Upcoming Forum
Sheryl White-Scott MD, FACP
Dates: February 19-22, 2013
Registration: Register Now! AAIDD Members Only
Topic: Health Care Delivery Challenges for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) are living longer and life expectancy has rapidly approached the general population. Individuals with I/DD in the mild to moderate range have a life expectancy of early 70’s. If we look at individuals with Down Syndrome the overall prevalence for Down Syndrome is approximately 1:800 births. The median survival for a person with Down Syndrome in the 1950’s was approximately less than a year, by 1983 survival was 25 years and by 1997 it was 59 years due to technology and advances in health care. (Lancet 2002:359:1019-1025).
The increased life span brings with it challenges in providing quality health care in our adult health care system. The barriers include the following:
• Lack of information about services
• Shortage of appropriately trained health providers
• Transportation and access problems
• Lack of adequate health insurance coverage
• Cultural and language barriers
• Limited patient education materials
• Lack of health care standards/guidelines
The Affordable Care Act will provide increased access to primary health care for many Americans but the barriers for adults with I/DD remain prevalent. The barriers continue to present challenges to health services for adults with I/DD.
The WHO definition of Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. We need to use a holistic approach to overcome the challenges we presently face in health care delivery for adults with I/DD. We can work together on solutions to enhance the quality of life for all individuals with I/DD
This forum is an opportunity for everyone to participate in creative and collaborative solutions. The questions that face us include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. What are the standards for primary care for adults with I/DD?
2. Are the guidelines the same as the general population?
3. How much training is sufficient for general practitioners?
4. Should everyone transition to adult care at 18 years old?
5. Is family medicine or med/peds the answer to transition problems?
6. How do health professionals work with self advocates and families to address health care needs?
7. How do health disparities impact on the health status of adults with I/DD?
8. Does improved access lead to improved quality of health care?
9. Who is ultimately responsible for making health care decisions?
10. Is it your right to accept or refuse health care recommendations?
Clinical scenarios will be posted that reflect these challenges and stimulate discussion. No medical experience required. There is no right or wrong answers just a vested interest in working together to improve the quality of life for individuals with I/DD throughout the life span.
Leader Bio
Sheryl White-Scott, MD, FACP is currently the Medical Director for Brooklyn Developmental Disabilities Services in Brooklyn, New York and Medical Director for the Medically Frail ICF Program at AHRC/New York City. Dr. White Scott’s previous positions were Director of Program for Disabilities (PFD) at St. Dominic’s Family Health Center/Caritas Health System in Jamaica, New York and Director of Adult Health Services at the Westchester Institute of Human Development, Valhalla, New York. She is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine in the Department of Internal Medicine, New York Medical College.
Dr. White-Scott specializes in clinical services for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. She has worked extensively with this population and has a special interest in health care delivery for women and minority populations. She has done numerous presentations on primary health care, prevention, aging, women’s health and training medical professional in the delivery of health services for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
Past Forums
Denise Roza & Elena Kozhevnikova
December 17-21, 2012
Topic: Perspectives From Russia
Joanna Pierson
September 15-19, 2012
Topic: What should the future look like for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in terms of consent, supported decision making, guardianship, and alternatives to guardianship?
View Forum Archive (Members Only)
Dan Davies
September 17-21, 2012
Topic: Emerging Technologies: Are We Brave Enough for this Brave New World?
View Forum Archive (Members Only)
Dr. Michael Wehmeyer
August 13-17, 2012
Topic: Intellectual Disability in the 21st Century: Self-Determination and the Third Wave of the Disability Movement
View Forum Archive (Members Only)
Day 1 Webcast: Intellectual Disability in the 21st Century: Self-Determination and the Third Wave of the Disability Movement
Day 1 PowerPoint
Cathy Ficker-Terrill
July 16-20, 2012
Topic: Social Capital: Enriching the Lives of Individuals with IDD in their Communities
View Forum Archive (Members Only)
Forum Materials
Social Capital, Powerpoint 1
Social Capital, Powerpoint 2