Why We Advocate

People with IDD are not only treated poorly in the US healthcare system, but continue to experience unnecessary deaths as a result of poor healthcare. In fact, in 2002 former Surgeon-General David Satcher outlined these healthcare challenges for people with IDD in his report “Closing the Gap.” He calls upon policymakers and leaders in healthcare to “close the gap” in healthcare disparity for people with IDD.

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So, you might ask, since the US government has highlighted the problem and the way forward, why does the disparity for people with IDD still exist?

This is why we advocate. To change policy and systems of care, it takes persistence, passion — and it takes time.

None of Us Want to Stand Still is a documentary made in partnership with Rush University Medical Center and Georgetown University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities that reveals the reality of how poorly people with IDD are treated in the healthcare system - and what one university is doing to change that. The film gives a voice to advocates to share their stories, as well as experts' opinions on how the healthcare system can improve and on how changes can be made on all levels of a healthcare organization to better treat patients with IDD.

Watch this video, join us in one voice for inclusive health and let’s ignite change together.

Advocacy Wins

  • Hospital Visitation Rights - On June 9th, 2020, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services announced a resolution making clear that federal law requires hospitals and the state agencies overseeing them to modify “no-visitor” policies to ensure patients with disabilities can safely access the in-person supports needed to benefit from medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Read the AADMD policy statement that reached almost 50,000 signers on Change.org and contributed to this win!