In this dynamic episode of the IDD Health Matters Podcast, Dr. Craig Escude sits down with Bob Sattler—whose extensive experience and passion for person-centered care have transformed developmental disability services. Recorded live at the NASD Conference in Portland, Oregon, this conversation delves into Bob’s unique journey from a camp counselor and direct support professional to a pioneering consultant and co-founder of Support Development Associates (SDA).

Bob Satler shares how his career evolved alongside the movement toward true person-centered practices, emphasizing that treating individuals as people first is far more than a buzzword—it’s a transformative approach that empowers both service recipients and their support teams. He explains how effective person-centered care involves not only ensuring safety and health but also fostering autonomy, fulfillment, and genuine quality of life. Through real-life examples and insights from his work, Bob highlights the importance of listening to the very people whose lives are at the heart of these services, and the challenges of reshaping organizational cultures to make person-centeredness the norm.

Join Dr. Escude and Bob Sattler as they explore the balance between safety and autonomy, discuss innovative strategies to integrate person-centered practices into everyday operations, and envision a future where support systems are as dynamic and compassionate as the people they serve. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that promises to inspire professionals and advocates dedicated to advancing health equity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

In this episode of the IDD Health Matters Podcast, Dr. Craig Escudé sits down with John Silfies, keynote speaker at the Kansas InterHab Conference and founder of Silfies Media, a company dedicated to making the developmental disabilities (DD) field famous.

John shares his journey from Direct Support Professional (DSP) to marketing expert, emphasizing the power of storytelling in raising awareness, attracting new professionals, and celebrating the lives of individuals with disabilities. He discusses how his media company helps provider agencies, government organizations, and local communities by crafting impactful videos and social media campaigns that highlight the real stories and achievements within the IDD field.

Throughout the conversation, John and Dr. Escudé explore the importance of mental health and gratitude in a field that is often stressful but deeply rewarding. They discuss how sharing stories fosters connection, increases retention among DSPs, and strengthens community support for IDD services.

John also shares a powerful success story of how his company’s videos have helped counties pass critical funding levies and amplified the voices of individuals with disabilities, proving that visibility and awareness can drive real change.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the impact of storytelling, the importance of celebrating even the smallest victories, and the dedication of those working in the IDD field.

🔗 Learn more about John’s work at Silfies Media
🔗 Explore resources from IntellectAbility at ReplacingRisk.com

On this episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escudé sits down with Johnathon Crumley, Chief Operations Officer of IntellectAbility, to discuss his unexpected journey into the field of intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) support. Originally planning a career as a military chaplain, Jonathan's path shifted when he discovered his passion for improving services and quality of life for individuals with IDD. In this insightful conversation, Johnathon shares how person-centered thinking, proactive healthcare approaches, and celebrating small wins can transform support systems. He also dives into the critical work IntellectAbility is doing to provide tools, training, and resources that enhance care for people with IDD. Tune in to learn how balancing health, safety, and personal choice leads to a more fulfilling life for individuals with disabilities. For more information on IntellectAbility’s resources, visit ReplacingRisk.com.