From the Desk of Dr. Craig Escudé
Throughout my career, I’ve been guided by a single, unwavering belief: that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) deserve the same opportunity as anyone else to live healthy, fulfilling, and self-directed lives. That belief has shaped everything I do—and it continues to drive the work of IntellectAbility.
I’ve seen what happens when care is delivered through a person-centered lens. When we move beyond checklists and diagnoses to see the whole person—their strengths, preferences, and humanity—we unlock something truly powerful. We don’t just improve health outcomes; we restore dignity, build confidence, and nurture connection.
This space is where I share reflections, insights, and stories that come from years of experience in the field, from listening to people with IDD and the people who support them. My goal is simple: to encourage better understanding, spark meaningful dialogue, and help lead a broader shift toward care that transforms lives—not just systems.
Thank you for being part of this mission.
Dr. Craig Escudé, MD, FAAFP, FAADM, FAAIDD
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Rural Health Transformation: A New Opportunity to Improve Health for People with IDD
Rural Health Transformation: A New Opportunity to Improve Health for People with IDD Across the country, states are receiving new federal funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program, an initiative designed to improve health care access and outcomes in rural and underserved communities. With state award amounts now announced, decisions about how these funds will be used are moving quickly.
A Preventable Crisis: How Unrecognized Constipation Led to a Life-Threatening Emergency for a Person with IDD
A Preventable Crisis: How Unrecognized Constipation Led to a Life-Threatening Emergency for a Person with IDD For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), routine health issues can quickly spiral into dangerous medical emergencies when early warning signs are overlooked. One such condition is severe constipation, which is often dismissed as a minor inconvenience but can lead to serious complications,
Sepsis and Disability: The High Cost of a Preventable Medical Emergency
Sepsis and Disability: The High Cost of a Preventable Medical Emergency For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), even minor infections can quickly escalate into life-threatening emergencies. One of the most dangerous yet preventable conditions is sepsis—a severe reaction to an infection that can lead to organ failure, shock, and death if not treated promptly. Sepsis typically develops from
The Hidden Danger of Aspiration Pneumonia
The Hidden Danger of Aspiration Pneumonia: How a Preventable Condition Led to a Costly Hospitalization For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), maintaining good health requires careful attention to their unique medical risks. Unfortunately, gaps in caregiver training, lack of preventive strategies, and delayed medical intervention often result in severe and costly complications. One such threat is aspiration pneumonia,
How One Preventable Emergency Cost Over $450,000
How One Preventable Emergency Cost Over $450,000 Written by Craig Escudé, MD, FAAFP, FAADM For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), proper healthcare is essential to maintaining their quality of life. However, systemic barriers, medical neglect, and inadequate preventive care often lead to severe health complications that could have been avoided. One frequently overlooked issue is gut health, particularly
Training Support Staff: Four Reasons to Do It and Free Resources to Help
Training Support Staff: Four Reasons to Do It and Free Resources to Help Written by Craig Escudé, MD, FAAFP, FAADM Providing quality support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) requires a well-trained and knowledgeable workforce. Support staff play a critical role in ensuring the well-being, dignity, and independence of the people they serve. Proper training empowers these professionals