Introducing Global Health Perspectives
Dr. Seth Keller lecturing in Athens, Greece.
by Seth M. Keller, MD
People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and their families and caregivers across the world all have unique experiences. Their ability to achieve a high level of wellness and equity of care may depend upon their culture, access to healthcare services and supports, as well as any ongoing geopolitical challenges possibly occurring in their lives.
The AADMD understands the importance of a global reach as well and how connecting across the globe can help us learn, grow, and support each other. HELEN will now dedicate a section on IDD Global health topics and we’ll be seeking stories from IDD advocates, caregivers/carers, healthcare providers, public health, as well as students and organizations that support those with IDD.
Your unique stories will help demonstrate the richness of our global diversity, while reminding us we share the same goal pushing forward a positive health agenda.
Why your stories matter
Share diverse perspectives: Whether you’re an advocate, caregiver, healthcare provider, public health expert, student, or part of a supporting organization, your stories will help provide a comprehensive view of IDD healthcare from various angles. And that’s essential for holistic understanding and improvement.
Offer cultural insights: Your stories and experiences can highlight how cultural factors impact IDD care and support. And these insights can lead to more culturally competent and sensitive healthcare practices.
Share geopolitical challenges: Recognizing the impact of geopolitical challenges on individuals with IDD is crucial. You’ll help shed light on how political situations and conflicts affect access to healthcare and support services.
Share best practices: We’d love to learn best practices from around the world. Share your successful strategies for improving IDD healthcare and inspire positive changes in other regions.
Bring awareness: As a student or member of an organization, you can emphasize the importance of education and awareness in promoting equitable IDD healthcare. Your stories can encourage future healthcare professionals to prioritize IDD care.
Foster global solidarity: We’re all working toward a common goal of improving the well-being and equity of care for people with IDD. Sharing your challenges and experiences will help foster a sense of global solidarity.
Inspire policy reform: As an advocate or public health expert, you can highlight the importance of advocacy and policy changes in promoting better care for individuals with IDD. These narratives can inspire action and policy reform.
Promote a positive health agenda: By sharing stories that demonstrate the richness of global diversity while emphasizing common goals, you’ll contributes to a positive health agenda for individuals with IDD. It reinforces the idea that everyone deserves access to quality care and support.
“This new section on IDD Global Health topics in Helen is a step toward promoting awareness, understanding, and positive change. It aligns with the AADMD's commitment to a global reach and the belief that we can all learn, grow, and support each other in the pursuit of better health and equity of care for individuals with IDD. If you have a story to tell, or if you know of someone who does, then please reach out to us.”