Ep 87: Improving Healthcare for Individuals with IDD: Communication, Training & Advocacy with Rachel Potts

In this episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escudé sits down with Rachel Potts, a dedicated nurse and Director of Nursing for ICF homes, to discuss the challenges and rewards of providing healthcare for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Rachel shares her journey into the field, beginning as a school nurse for children with autism, and how she quickly developed a passion for understanding and communicating with non-verbal individuals. Throughout the conversation, Rachel and Dr. Escudé explore the critical need for better training and resources for healthcare professionals, the importance of observation skills in diagnosing health concerns, and the role of direct support professionals (DSPs) in advocating for individuals with IDD. Rachel also shares real-world experiences, including a powerful story about learning to recognize subtle health cues that might otherwise be overlooked. Tune in to learn about the barriers in IDD healthcare, the importance of collaboration between providers, and how simple tools—like augmentative communication apps—can make a big difference. Whether you're a healthcare provider, caregiver, or advocate, this episode offers valuable insights into improving healthcare equity for people with IDD. 🔗 Learn more about supporting individuals with IDD and access valuable resources by checking out the show notes! #IDDHealthMatters #HealthcareEquity #DisabilityAdvocacy #IDD #MedicalTraining #CommunicationMatters