About Us
Surgeon General Satcher and Dr. Zelenski
Mission Statement
The mission of the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD) is to improve the overall health of individuals with Neurodevelopmental Disorders and/or Intellectual Disabilities (ND/ID).
Scope of the Academy
In communities and states across the country, Americans with developmental disabilities are experiencing significant difficulty in gaining access to quality medical and dental care. As an organization whose purpose is to improve quality of care for all Americans with developmental disabilities, the most valuable contribution we can make is to contribute our expertise in the field of developmental medicine and dentistry to where it will have the most significant impact - the universities and healthcare centers where physicians and dentists are trained. Furthermore, we can enhance our contribution by working collaboratively with advocacy organizations and associations that serve those with disabilities.
Hubert Humphrey once said, a society is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable citizens! The AADMD pledges to treat America's most vulnerable citizens in their most vulnerable state - illness. As we advance our uncomplicated mission, we do so with continual support and input from our patients, their families, policy makers and self-advocates, proceeding in such a way as to preserve the dignity and humanity of those whom we serve.
Declaration of Purpose
The AADMD is resolved:
- To assist in reforming the current system of healthcare so that no person with developmental disabilities is left without access to quality healthcare.
- To prepare clinicians to face the unique challenges in caring for people with developmental disabilities.
- To provide curriculum to newly established developmental disabilities training programs in medical and dental schools across the nation.
- To increase the body and quality of patient-centered research regarding those with developmental disabilities and to involve parents and caregivers in this process.
- To create a forum in which physicians, dentists, families and caregivers may exchange experiences and ideas with regard to caring for patients with developmental disabilities.
- To disseminate specialized developmental medical and dental information to families in language that is easy for the family to understand.
- To establish alliances between visionary advocacy and healthcare organizations for the primary purpose of achieving better healthcare.