ARCOM Elective Course: Healthcare for People with IDD. Training for Health Professional Students
About the Elective
This self-paced, online elective addresses the clinical, health, communication, medication, nutritional, and trauma-related needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through eLearning courses developed by IntellectAbility.
- 18 hours, 45 minutes total of online instruction
- Complete according to your own schedule during the elective period
- Individual login credentials for IntellectAbility’s eLearning platform
- Certificates of completion for each course
- Includes a free copy of Clinical Pearls in IDD Healthcare by Craig Escudé, MD, FAAFP, FAADM, FAAIDD (a $129 value)
Bonus Resource:
Curated List of Podcast Episodes from IDD Health Matters – The IDD Health Matters podcast is hosted by Dr. Craig Escudé, a leader in the IDD healthcare field. It features guests, including physicians, nurses, dentists, state IDD administrators, provider organization leaders, Direct Support Professionals, and self-advocates, who share their stories and provide insights into IDD healthcare and how to improve supports and services in this field. Dr. Escudé and his guests provide valuable insights into the inner workings of this often-overlooked field. You’ll hear both recounted stories and firsthand lived experiences of people with IDD.
What Is Included in the $325 Course Package?
1. Curriculum in IDD Healthcare (CIDDH) eLearn Course (4.5 Hours)
2. Fatal Five Advanced eLearn Course (6.5-8.5 Hours)
3. Orientation to Person-Centered Thinking eLearn Course (30 Minutes)
4. Physical and Nutritional Health Supports eLearn Course (3 Hours)
5. Understanding Polypharmacy eLearn Course (25 Minutes)
6. Techniques in Proper Maintenance of Durable Medical Equipment eLearn Course (30 Minutes)
7. Understanding and Recognizing Pain in People with IDD eLearn Course (25 Minutes)
8. Trauma-Informed Support eLearn Course (3 Hours)
9. Clinical Pearls in IDD Healthcare Book (shipped free!)
What Will I Learn? Course Overview
Medical students will care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout their careers, regardless of specialty. However, many students receive limited formal education on the unique healthcare needs of this population. This course aims to bridge that gap.
• Better understand common health conditions and risks experienced by people with IDD.
• Recognize that pain, illness, medication effects, or distress may present as a change in behavior.
• Reduce the risk of diagnostic overshadowing.
• Improve communication with people who communicate in different ways.
• Recognize early signs of potentially serious medical conditions.
• Understand the effects of polypharmacy.
• Apply person-centered and trauma-informed principles.
• Recognize concerns related to positioning, nutrition, swallowing, mobility, and medical equipment maintenance.
• Provide more informed, respectful, and effective healthcare to people with IDD.
How Will Students Receive Credit?
All courses will be delivered through IntellectAbility’s electronic learning platform. Students will receive individual login credentials, complete the courses at their own pace within the designated elective period, and receive a certificate of completion for each course. ARCOM will issue elective credit hours upon completion of all 8 courses.
The complete course package includes approximately 18 hours and 45 minutes of online instruction addressing the clinical, health, communication, medication, nutritional, and trauma-related needs of people with IDD. The course fee will include a delivered copy of the book Clinical Pearls in IDD Healthcare by Craig Escudé, MD, FAAFP, FAADM, FAAIDD (a $129 value)
