Steven Perlman, DDS, MScD, DHL (hon), PAOH President: Dr. Perlman thanks his mentors for their long-standing commitment to improving the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities.

Rick Rader, MD, FAAIDD, FAADM, Editor-in-chief, Helen Journal: “This issue of HELEN examines the phenomenon of aging with disabilities. This is a relatively new topic as we know that the lifespan of individuals with disabilities, specifically those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is two decades less than people without disabilities.”

AHRC NYC's Fisher Center presents "Leave It To Me"—an exhibition by artists who attend the day program that serves adults with intellectual disabilities in East Harlem. The artists are proud to invite family and friends to see their work here, as part of the first exhibition hosted by Positive Exposure in their new home.  The Fisher Center is thrilled to be partnering with Positive Exposure, and to be sharing the space with artists from the D75 schools.

David A. Ervin, BSc, MA, FAAIDD and Douglas Golub, BA, MS, SHRM-CP, DrPH(C): “This is the second article in a five-part series on artificial intelligence (AI) and its emerging role in healthcare and community-based services for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD). While the first article set important context, this installment focuses on how AI can act as a collaborative partner, not a replacement, for enhancing supports.”

Ley Linder, MA, M. Ed, BCBA and Craig Escudé, MD, FAAFP, FAADM: “Matt is a 36-year-old man with autism who lives with three other men of similar age and functioning level. He is a proficient verbal communicator both expressively and receptively. Matt enjoys social interactions with peers, staff, and family, and frequently participates in various activities in the community. “

Matthew P. Janicki, Ph.D. and Helen Stepowany, MS: “The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has launched a bold new initiative to address the needs of people living with dementia and their caregivers, who are Medicare beneficiaries, through the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model.”

The Board of the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices: “Recently, the intellectual and developmental disabilities community lost one of its great champions: Dr. Roy I. Brown. A prolific researcher, advocate, and gentle truth-teller, Dr. Brown dedicated his life to the well-being of people with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities. As we mourn his passing, it feels right to revisit one of the ideas he spent decades developing and promoting: the meaning of quality of life.”

The Disability Rights Movement has always faced KEY ISSUES.  Some have been resolved, some  still remain, and some are a work in progress.  HELEN’s latest feature showcases "older" articles that are still relevant and have focused on these key issues. They are "classic concerns" that continue to challenge us. We invite HELEN readers to review, revisit and reconsider them.  HERE is a piece for KEY ISSUES…

Seeking Advisory Board Members-Organ Transplant Equity Study: “A new study funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development is exploring how disability-based discrimination may affect organ transplant access for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). We are seeking people with IDD with lived experience with the organ transplant process, or their family members, to join a paid advisory board.”