# data[].attributes.body
Increase staff reimbursement to cover one-to-one nurse

# data[].attributes.headline
Rural communities and access to services/ care

# data[].attributes.subject
Rural communities and access to services/ care

# data[].attributes.headline
overmedication of people with disabilities

# data[].attributes.subject
overmedication of people with disabilities

# data[].attributes.headline
Empowering voice to make choices and lean into self-advocacy

# data[].attributes.subject
Empowering voice to make choices and lean into self-advocacy

# data[].attributes.body
Speaking up for rights to be included

# data[].attributes.headline
Physicians and other medical providers with knowledge of serving this population

# data[].attributes.subject
Physicians and other medical providers with knowledge of serving this population

# data[].attributes.body
Changes in policies. Sharing family/youth stories so that this becomes a more visible issue

# data[].attributes.headline
Anyone who wants to live independently can do so with easily available and accessible supports!

# data[].attributes.subject
Anyone who wants to live independently can do so with easily available and accessible supports!

# data[].attributes.body
Can be electronic (app) or physical (binder). Adolescent creates a health portfolio (with support if needed) to help them engage in conversations with others about their health care and needs.

# data[].attributes.headline
lack of consumer directed personal care attendants

# data[].attributes.subject
lack of consumer directed personal care attendants

# data[].attributes.body
not an attractive job so people with disabilities who want to hire their own support providers through medicaid programs struggle to find and keep attendants.

# data[].attributes.body
Address the shortages and build teams

# data[].attributes.headline
Focus on physical accessibility needs in all buildings that these students must access

# data[].attributes.subject
Focus on physical accessibility needs in all buildings that these students must access

# data[].attributes.body
Constant barriers

# data[].attributes.headline
Advocate accessibility (physical) in new construction/ public buildings (e.g., adult changing)

# data[].attributes.subject
Advocate accessibility (physical) in new construction/ public buildings (e.g., adult changing)

# data[].attributes.body
Use social media to this advantage
Inform others

# data[].attributes.headline
Help people see individuals who are helpers like OT, PT, etc., similar to how we view sign language interpreters, and encourage more folks to engage in these occupations.

# data[].attributes.subject
Help people see individuals who are helpers like OT, PT, etc., similar to how we view sign language interpreters, and encourage more folks to engage in these occupations.

# data[].attributes.body
Students have to miss school because the nurses are not available

# data[].attributes.headline
Lack of training of Medical Professionals especially in preventative care

# data[].attributes.subject
Lack of training of Medical Professionals especially in preventative care

# data[].attributes.body
Current program we have implemented in Oklahoma - https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=41&q=SAME+FAME%2C+UCEDD&cvid=881ee7e509ec47c7ba6c13692563b1c4&aqs=edge..69i57j69i64.9730j0j1&FORM=ANAB01&PC=U531#

# data[].attributes.headline
Universally designed spaces, accessible spaces in the community

# data[].attributes.subject
Universally designed spaces, accessible spaces in the community

# data[].attributes.headline
Develop more programs that allow life-stream waivers across programs for individuals receiving these services.

# data[].attributes.subject
Develop more programs that allow life-stream waivers across programs for individuals receiving these services.

# data[].attributes.body
Supports should not stand in the way of access. Personal care not being a barrier, it is a need a service that can be met

# data[].attributes.headline
All youth are educated on their physical/structural rights! 

# data[].attributes.subject
All youth are educated on their physical/structural rights! 

# data[].attributes.body
Knowing how to advocate for yourself to better know ADA, etc

# data[].attributes.body
difficult to find specialists and doctors accepting patients with complex disabilities...those who use medicaid...

# data[].attributes.body
Learning about their civil rights (ADA, etc.)

# data[].attributes.headline
To build a healthy life balance we need to start earlier with our students with significant challenges.

# data[].attributes.subject
To build a healthy life balance we need to start earlier with our students with significant challenges.

# data[].attributes.body
A reminder to focus on fitness, well-being, healthy living, and mental health as a focus and avenue for community inclusion

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
His name is Zayne Harshaw and right now he wants everyone to know, "This is my jam, right here."

He is sitting up on a bench press, the opening riff from "Crazy Train" by Ozzy Osbourne crying out from the phone in his pocket. Zayne promptly lies back, grips the bar as instructed, and proceeds to push out six reps of 140 pounds, straight to the sky.

The 27-year-old sits up, breathes out and asks, "Did I break the record?"

Ohio State's Carmen Swain '97 MA, '07 PhD and Anthony Dujmovic '22, who are spotting him in the lifting area at Valemee Fitness gym in Dublin, Ohio, laugh and answer. He sure did.

Zayne rolls up his sleeve, flexes his arm. "I'm getting a tattoo of a flaming guitar pick on my muscles. I'll need a shirt to show it off."

The guitar pick recognizes his passion: jamming in his band Blue Spectrum. The new and improved muscles? The result of an eight-week Ohio State study.

Zayne has autism. He was one of 25 participants in the VALID Study, designed and carried out by Swain '97 MA, '07 PhD, senior lecturer of exercise science, and Dujmovic, an undergrad when the project started and now a PhD student in physical therapy.

Video: Anthony Dujmovic & the VALID study

The study explored the effectiveness of an exercise system designed to promote fitness, independence and self-efficacy for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The system was developed by Peggy Mills '80, MA '93, owner of Valemee Fitness, where the study took place from October 2022 to February 2023.

Mills retired early from her role teaching adapted physical education in the Dublin school district to start Valemee in 2017. Her reason? She saw many of her former students experiencing health issues related to a lack of fitness once they became adults.

"When you look at lifelong fitness, there isn't much out there for this population," Mills says. "There are gyms on every corner, but you can't walk into one and say, 'I've got a person with autism, train them.' It's not going to work if you don't know the language, how to de-escalate them, motivate them, adapt exercises.

"Our system is visual, it's simple and keeps them on a predictable routine. I just know it works."

Swain and Dujmovic now have the data to back that up. Swain says the study results - 96% participation and excitement to continue exercising - were like nothing she had seen before. Not only that, participants and their parents loved being involved.

"The feedback was so powerful," Swain says. "And there was so much hugging. That's what I remember. People came in, wary of you, and left feeling so confident, so empowered. Of all the research I've ever done, this was the most meaningful."

School systems provide those with disabilities educational services, including exercise and recreational outlets, until they're 22. After that, they are on their own.

"When you're out of school, recreational opportunities, social circles, that responsibility falls on the family, and one of those aspects is physical fitness," says Barry Halpern '81 MD, whose 35-year-old son Max participated in the study. "With Max, when he was a teenager he was fit and trim. But through his 20s and 30s, he put on 25 pounds. It's significant."

And common. Adults with IDD have some of the highest rates of obesity, diabetes and chronic heart disease, to the point the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention and the United States National Physical Activity Plan have identified the population as a target community for whom to promote physical activity.

Though many like Max Halpern, who has Down syndrome, may belong to a gym with a parent or caretaker, most gyms aren't equipped with trainers and systems to accommodate people with these special needs. Because of that, few members of the IDD population are at these gyms, leading to diminished social opportunities.

While Valemee patrons had friends and people who knew and worked out with them, most gyms have none of those welcoming faces for this community. Dr. Halpern says often other gym's clients get worried or uncomfortable when Max is working out on his own. And for people with IDD, it's intimidating, says Zayne's mother, Gwen Harshaw.

"A major barrier is people's attitudes at the gym," says Harshaw, who also is program director for the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI). "If people without a disability feel anxiety about going to a gym, people with a disability - oh my goodness."

"Seeing Carmen and Anthony come in was wonderful because they didn't have experience with this population," Mills says. "It wasn't a special education professional coming in. It was someone from the world of fitness saying, 'Everyone deserves optimal fitness. Let's measure whether or not we can make a difference in their lives.'"

The study did exactly that.

For eight weeks, 25 IDD participants with no background in Mills' system exercised at Valemee twice a week. Across the board, results showed increased fitness, independence and self-efficacy, meaning they came into the gym and worked out with less supervision over time.

Participants also overwhelmingly said they would continue exercise and nutrition programs, whether at home or through community opportunities. And though Mills' gym has since closed, she is spreading the Valemee system throughout gyms in Central Ohio with eyes on going national, so that more gyms have trainers fluent in her process.

"It was a great first step. Zayne really enjoyed it," Harshaw says. "I want him as healthy and happy as possible, but he's a grown man. It hasn't been easy to motivate him.

"Being sedentary is horrible, it leads to lifelong problems. When you're a parent to someone with a disability, your greatest fear is, what's going to happen if I die? It's overwhelming and part of that fear is physical health."

Zayne says the study was life changing.

"I'm excited to keep doing this and more confident in myself. I want to make big changes," he says. "It was so much fun, I felt like I achieved something. It's so much better than sitting in front of the TV, stuffing my face."

Swain says the study proved the Valemee system works. She has been invited to give talks about it at national conferences and is also working with Dujmovic to publish study results in academic journals.

"I love research, but one of my big hang-ups is research sits on a shelf," Swain says. "It's only read by science geeks who open a journal. It's often not translated to practice. But this study has the opportunity to be put into practice."

That's important because studies and research on this population's fitness problems are lacking; it can be challenging for researchers who don't have a background in special education to work with people with IDD. Swain said writing the Internal Review Board proposal, required for all studies involving people, was one of the most difficult she has completed, and for good reason.

"The IRB's job is to make sure, with human research subjects, you aren't taking advantage of anyone or exploiting anyone. And that's a very good thing. However, because this population has so many challenges, they're rarely used in health-related research, which is such a detriment to them."

Even with Mills' guidance, Dujmovic says, putting the study participants through the exercise testing - making sure they did all the workouts safely - required much more patience and instruction than he was used to. However, it was an experience he'll never forget.

"The first week of testing, I sat in my room and cried every single night, seeing the challenges they go through every day," Dujmovic says. "But their resiliency blows my mind. I'll keep that with me forever.

"There's a huge gap between the opportunities people with intellectual disabilities have and what everyone else has," he says. "We need to fix that."

An inspiring partnership

Carmen Swain and Anthony Dujmovic discuss how mentorship is at the heart of their research success on Ohio State's new podcast, Now at Ohio State.

Ross Bishoff is a writer in University Marketing and Communications. He has more than 20 years of experience as a writer and editor in Gannett Newspapers and Freedom Communications. As a freelance writer, his stories have appeared in national magazines as well as Ohio-based newspapers and radio station websites.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
This study can change lives-Ohio State Alumni Magazine

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
New research validates the Valemee exercise system, created by alumna Peggy Mills to help adults with intellectual disabilities avoid chronic health issues.

# data[].attributes.body
We get focused on the disability label and do not realize people have co-occurring needs

# data[].attributes.body
Connecting families, youth and advocates to address barriers to access. We all need to expect inclusivity

# data[].attributes.headline
Health clinics/offices not always fully accessible

# data[].attributes.subject
Health clinics/offices not always fully accessible

# data[].attributes.body
This includes sensory welcoming as well as physically accessible (pathways, tables, exam equipment, adult changing tables)

# data[].attributes.headline
State Initiatives to Provide Community Supports Like Adult Changing Tables

# data[].attributes.subject
State Initiatives to Provide Community Supports Like Adult Changing Tables

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.tn.gov/didd/for-consumers/adult-size-changing-tables.html

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) is excited to announce a new $1 million grant program for Tennessee businesses and municipal governments to assist with the cost of installing adult-size changing tables.

Approximately 200,000 Tennesseans, or 4 percent of the state's population, need help with one or more activities of daily living, such as toileting. Currently, those who need access to adult-sized changing tables must choose between using unhygienic settings, like a restroom floor, or staying home, causing isolation from their communities. This is a problem not only for those who need access to adult-sized changing tables, but for caregivers, such as family members and friends. They too want to spend time in their community with those they support but are limited because of the lack of access to safe and hygienic toileting settings.

Under the new grant program, $5,000 grants will be awarded to 200 businesses and municipalities in Tennessee who install universal adult changing tables that are open to the public. The grant, funded by the Tennessee General Assembly in the FY23 budget, will increase the availability of adult-size changing tables in public settings across the state of Tennessee. The universal design of these adult-size changing tables will allow people of all ages and abilities to access safe, dignified, and hygienic toileting experiences. These changing tables are an important way for businesses to promote inclusion of all Tennesseans in their community.

Interested in Installing a Table?

Tables can range in cost, with recommended models costing between approximately $2445 to $6200.

Best practices for changing tables include:

Powered and height-adjustable, for safety of the person and caregiver assisting

Placed in single occupancy restrooms, universal to gender

Room size of at least 10x14.6 ft. This allows for a turning radius of 60" for the wheelchair in the middle of the room and 36" of space at one end of the table

Clear signage at the entrance of the building.

How to Apply:

If you are interested in applying for a universal adult changing table, please fill out the application at this link. Be prepared to provide:

Name of organization

Contact email

State of Tennessee Edison ID or W9

Location of proposed installation site

Anticipated breakdown of costs

Anticipated timeframe to complete installation

The DIDD team may contact you for clarification or further information.

Have Questions?

MaxAbility, a changing table vendor, is available to provide technical assistance about table specifications and installation of the tables at darrell@max-ability.com. Please note that the state does not endorse any particular vendor.

If you have additional questions about tables, installation, or other components of this grant program, please contact the Public Affairs inbox at PublicAffairs.DIDD@tn.gov . We will assist in directing your question to the appropriate party.

Thanks to the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities for their advocacy on this important issue. You can learn more about the origin of this grant program on the Counci's website.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) is excited to announce a new $1 million grant program for Tennessee businesses and municipal governments to assist with the cost of installing adult-size changing tables. Approximately 200,000 Tennesseans, or 4 percent of the state's population, need help with one or more activities of daily living, such as toileting.

# data[].attributes.headline
One-Page Profile for Medical appts...sample from a man with CP

# data[].attributes.subject
One-Page Profile for Medical appts...sample from a man with CP

# data[].attributes.body
See previous padlet regarding one page profile to help medical professionals effectively support folks with more intense disability.

# data[].attributes.body
Nursing shortage at all levels, everywhere....

# data[].attributes.headline
Importance of self-care, and having that in mind as students are receiving services.

# data[].attributes.subject
Importance of self-care, and having that in mind as students are receiving services.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
1. Home

2. Health Advocacy Training (CHAT)

CHAT provides health literacy training to adults with disabilities. CHAT has two parts, the first is training for adults with disabilities, the second is a guide for supporters and families. To learn more please see the information below.

Participants will learn about:

How to better communicate health concerns with doctors, healthcare providers, and supporters

How to speak up and ask specific questions about their health

How to prepare for medical visits and identify health priorities

1. SPEAKING UP ABOUT HEALTH:In this session (90 minutes), participants are introduced to major concepts of health communication and complete a take-away 'Health Passport'.

2. COMMUNICATION HEALTH & ADVOCACY:These three sessions (60-90 minutes each) are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of concepts, interactive practice activities, and multiple opportunities for audience participation.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Home Health Advocacy Training (CHAT) CHAT provides health literacy training to adults with disabilities. CHAT has two parts, the first is training for adults with disabilities, the second is a guide for supporters and families. To learn more please see the information below.

# data[].attributes.headline
Partnering with the Department of Public Health

# data[].attributes.subject
Partnering with the Department of Public Health

# data[].attributes.body
Georgia: Transitioning Youth to Adult Care | Georgia Department of Public Health

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What is Health Care Transition?

The exciting part about youth moving into adulthood is independence, choices, and freedom! The somewhat scary part is that with more freedom comes more responsibilities. Even in cases where youth may require ongoing assistance or total care, transition and adulthood will continue to move forward. When you START TALKING early about choices, EDUCATING yourself, and developing a PLAN with the help of a SUPPORT system, the transition process can be smooth and empowering. Health Care Transition (HCT) is no different. These easy S.T.E.P.S will assist youth & young adults, parents & caregivers, and health care providers & professionals embrace the future and prepare for a smooth transition from pediatric to adult health care.

Healthcare Transition is the process of moving from a pediatric model to an adult model of care. Transition encourages youth to become independent and knowledgeable about their healthcare needs; while teaching families to be supportive, and healthcare workers and professionals to track and assess the youth/young adult's readiness for adult healthcare.

There are times when some youth and young adults with special healthcare needs may need ongoing assistance or total care. In these cases, health care transition encourages the support system: parents, caregivers, physicians, specialists, etc. to prepare and plan for the ongoing needs and gaps to support the best quality of life for these young adults. Successful transition happens gradually. This is not a one-time or overnight event.

What are the Goals of Transition?

1. Ongoing and focused planning starting at an early age

2. Continuity of insurance coverage

3. Helping youth gain independent healthcare skills

4. Understanding health care systems available for adults with and without disabilities

5. Moving from pediatric care to physicians trained in adult medicine

Who is involved in Transition?

Health Care Transition's target population is youth and young adults between the ages of 12-26, both with and without special healthcare needs.

The Importance of Emergency Planning and Health Care Transition

Encourage your young adult to be prepared for emergencies

Assist them in completing an emergency information form, with your names, the names of others to contact in case of emergency, and any medications, allergies, and medical conditions

Don't forget to teach them ICE (In Case of Emergency). ICE is the contact that all emergency responders will look for in a cell phone.

If your young adult carries a cell phone, help them program the emergency contact number under ICE

Take advantage of the health app standard with most smartphones

What are some tips for finding adult healthcare professionals?

Ask your young adult's current doctors, nurse practitioners, care coordinator, or social worker who they recommend

Ask adults who have health needs like your young adult who they see

Look at your health insurance company booklet or website for approved providers

Call and interview doctors or nurse practitioners. Find out if they have experience with your young adult's health condition, how long it takes to get an appointment, and how quickly they can be seen if they get sick

Use the internet. Look at websites of the American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Physicians-Internal Medicine, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, or other specialists needed for your young adult's care

Ways to Get Involved with Health Care Transition Activities

Contact us via email at [email protected]
Page last updated 12/13/22

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The exciting part about youth moving into adulthood is independence, choices, and freedom! The somewhat scary part is that with more freedom comes more responsibilities. Even in cases where youth may require ongoing assistance or total care, transition and adulthood will continue to move forward.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
LEAP stands for Leadership for Empowerment and Abuse Prevention and provides training on healthy relationships and information about preventing abuse for adults with intellectual disabilities. Developed in collaboration between VCU's School of Social Work and the Partnership for People with Disabilities, LEAP provides training on healthy relationships and information about preventing abuse to adults with disabilities. LEAP was developed by a multidisciplinary team that included people with disabilities and their families, along with representatives from domestic violence, child advocacy, social services, health, LGBTQ+ and disability advocacy agencies. People with disabilities have been involved in every aspect of LEAP's implementation and are essential members of LEAP's training teams. On this website, you will also find information for supporters and family members.

LEAP trainers teach participants about:

what it means to trust someone and who should be trusted;

healthy, unhealthy, and confusing relationships;

asking permission before touching;

different ways to say "no";

identifying feelings and physical signs associated with being uncomfortable; and

how to get help.

LEAP Power Statement

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
LEAP stands for Leadership for Empowerment and Abuse Prevention and provides training on healthy relationships and information about preventing abuse for adults with intellectual disabilities. Developed in collaboration between VCU's School of Social Work and the Partnership for People with Disabilities, LEAP provides training on healthy relationships and information about preventing abuse to adults with disabilities.

# data[].attributes.headline
Self-Advocacy and Self-Determination Training as a core part of the curriculum for all students

# data[].attributes.subject
Self-Advocacy and Self-Determination Training as a core part of the curriculum for all students