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…
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 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
In this episode of the Friends for Life Podcast, we dive into a timely update for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients who will notice a unique payment schedule in the coming months. With a few quirks in the calendar, SSI beneficiaries will…
In this episode of the IDD Health Matters Podcast, Dr. Craig Escudé is joined by John Raffaele, Director of Educational Services at the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), for a candid conversation about the evolving role of…
In 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…