Ep 225: Empowering Lives Through Compassionate Home Care: A Mother’s Journey with Friends for Life
Release Date: 10/26/2024
Empowering Lives: Insights from DSP Kelley Shepherd on Advocacy and Personal Growth
Friends For Life Podcast
In this episode of the IDD Health Matters Podcast, Dr. Craig Escudé welcomes Kelley Shepherd, a dedicated Direct Support Professional (DSP) with over 15 years of experience. Kelley shares her perspective on what it means to truly support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in living their best lives. From advocating for dignity of risk to respecting personal choices and supporting meaningful growth, Kelley emphasizes the importance of seeing every individual’s unique potential. She shares inspiring stories of empowerment, such as helping individuals explore...
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Ep 232: Empowering Inclusion: Nabil Shaheen on Advocacy and Community Impact
Friends For Life Podcast
In this episode of the Friends for Life Podcast, we sit down with Nabil Shaheen, Community Outreach and Communications Manager for the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Nabil shares his journey from journalism and marketing into a role that blends his professional passions with meaningful advocacy work. He discusses the rewarding challenges of shaping the board’s messaging, celebrating the achievements of individuals served, and breaking down stereotypes about government agencies and people with disabilities. Nabil also highlights upcoming events, including the quarterly...
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Deb Davis on Person-Centered Care and Advocacy for Individuals with IDD
Friends For Life Podcast
In this heartfelt episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escude sits down with Deb Davis, a dedicated nurse and advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Deb shares her inspiring journey into the field of IDD support, reflecting on how she found her calling and became a champion for person-centered care. Deb discusses the challenges of working in this field, including her early experiences, the importance of person-centered thinking, and how she overcame feelings of being unprepared to become an expert through relentless learning and certification with...
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Ep 231: Supporting Caregivers of Individuals with IDD: Insights from Tony Stuart
Friends For Life Podcast
In this heartfelt episode of the Friends for Life Podcast, Tony Sttuart speaks directly to parents and guardians of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). Tony highlights the unique challenges caregivers face—balancing long work hours, providing Direct Care at home, and dealing with unreliable resources—all while striving to ensure the best for their loved ones. Tony shares how Friends for Life goes beyond serving individuals with IDD by also supporting their families, addressing caregiver burnout, and fostering meaningful connections within the community. From...
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Ep 230: Addressing the DSP Workforce Crisis: Rising Wages, High Turnover & Barriers in Disability Services
Friends For Life Podcast
In this episode of the Friends for Life Podcast, we explore the challenges facing the direct support professional (DSP) workforce, despite recent increases in hourly wages. Although DSPs saw an average hourly wage of $15.79 nationwide in 2022—a historic first—the high turnover rate of over 40% continues to strain disability service providers, who are struggling to maintain adequate staff. Many providers report having to refuse new referrals or reduce services, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable workforce solutions. Temporary support from the 2021 American Rescue...
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Julie Foster Hagan on Advancing Health Equity for Disabilities
Friends For Life Podcast
In this episode of the IDD Health Matters Podcast, host Dr. Craig Escudé is joined by Julie Foster Hagan, Louisiana’s State Director of Developmental Disability Services. Recorded live from the NASDDDS conference, Dr. Escudé and Julie discuss the vital work being done to enhance health equity and employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Julie shares insights into Louisiana’s health equity initiatives, including a strategic focus on data collection and the role of Health Equity Action Teams within the state’s Department of Health. She...
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Ep 229: Finding Purpose Through Direct Support: A DSP’s Journey of Care, Growth, and Music
Friends For Life Podcast
In this episode of the Friends for Life Podcast, our guest shares a heartfelt journey into the world of Direct Support, highlighting the deep connections he’s built with those he cares for and the personal growth he’s experienced. Since starting his career nearly two years ago, he’s not only found joy in supporting others but has also received support himself, especially in pursuing his dream of becoming a radiology technician. He explains how the job has equipped him with resources for schooling and even scholarships, emphasizing the power of community and opportunity in his workplace....
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Ep 228: Rising Autism Diagnoses: Understanding the 175% Increase and Its Impact on Healthcare
Friends For Life Podcast
In this episode of the Friends for Life Podcast, we dive into recent research that reveals a striking rise in autism diagnoses across the United States, up by 175% over the last decade. This increase spans all age groups, but some groups are experiencing even higher rates, especially young adults and minority children. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, shows autism prevalence has more than doubled since 2011, underscoring the need for better awareness and support systems. Lead researcher Luke Grosvenor suggests that while universal developmental screenings may account for part of this...
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Mary Brogan on Advancing Developmental Disability Services and Medicaid Waiver Programs in Hawaii
Friends For Life Podcast
In this episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escudé welcomes Mary Brogan, the state director for developmental disability services in Hawaii. Mary shares her extensive experience managing programs that impact individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including the oversight of the 1915(c) Medicaid Waiver and neurotrauma services. She highlights the unique challenges of providing dental care and the importance of accessible health services tailored to meet the needs of people with IDD in Hawaii. Mary and Dr. Escudé dive into the critical importance of...
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Ep 227: How Political Ads Impact the IDD Community
Friends For Life Podcast
In this episode of the Friends for Life Podcast, Tony Stuart dives into the effects of political ads on the individuals within the IDD community. Drawing on his extensive experience as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), Tony reflects on how divisive messages in the media can impact those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, often causing confusion and frustration. He encourages a focus on humanity over politics, stressing the importance of helping individuals exercise their right to vote while maintaining a respectful, open-minded approach to differing beliefs. Tony shares...
info_outlineIn this heartfelt episode of the Friends for Life Podcast, we meet a dedicated nursing supervisor who found her calling in home care after a life-changing shift during the pandemic. Transitioning from long-term care in 2020, she discovered a deep passion for home health services, where she quickly rose to a supervisory role. In this position, she provides critical oversight, ensuring patients' medications are managed, doctor’s orders are processed, and care remains seamless. Through her journey, she has found profound fulfillment in advocating for individuals who might otherwise lack a voice, striving to create a supportive, person-centered approach to healthcare.
As the episode unfolds, our guest shares the personal connection she has to Friends for Life. Her son, a young man with severe autism, receives 24/7 support from the organization, which has become a lifeline for her family. She describes the immense relief of knowing that Friends for Life not only cares for her son but actively works to support his development, providing the structure and encouragement he needs. Through the organization’s resources and compassionate staff, she has witnessed her son achieve milestones she never imagined possible, bringing an immeasurable sense of hope and security to her family.
Listeners will be moved by her stories of the engaging programs at Friends for Life, where individuals enjoy a variety of enriching activities—from outings to apple orchards and pumpkin patches to cooking classes and team-building exercises. These experiences provide clients with valuable life lessons and avenues for social connection. For families like hers, Friends for Life offers more than just care; it creates an environment where individuals can thrive, build friendships, and experience the joy of community. This episode is a testament to the power of compassionate care and the positive, lasting impact it can have on families and individuals alike.