Ep 135: Auburn Nursing Leaders Transform IDD Care Training With Innovative Education

Dr. Rachael Sweeney and Dr. Amy Curtis from Auburn University's College of Nursing, discuss their work improving health care education for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). They describe the lack of training nurses typically receive in communicating with and caring for individuals with IDD, sharing personal experiences that motivated their advocacy. To address this gap, they integrated IDD‑focused curriculum across undergraduate through doctoral nursing programs and partnered with community organizations for hands‑on clinical exposure. They also introduced "Gwen," a highly realistic pediatric simulation mannequin with Down syndrome, to help students practice communication, assessment, and compassionate care. Their efforts aim to reduce stigma, improve patient outcomes, promote interdisciplinary understanding, and inspire future providers to treat people with IDD with empathy, dignity, and individualized care.