Sharing Inclusive Healthcare Messages with the American Public Health Association
The authors at the APHA conference.
By Dr. Rebecca Weston, Mackenzie Irvin, Annu Singleton
Introduction
In October 2024, an innovative partnership was showcased at the American Public Health Association (APHA) annual conference in Minneapolis, the largest public health gathering in the United States. Among the thousands of attendees, one voice stood out: that of Annu Singleton, a Special Olympics Maryland Health Messenger and athlete leader. For Annu, this event marked several milestones—his first airplane flight, his first visit to Minneapolis, his largest audience, and a unique opportunity to share Maryland’s approach to improving healthcare for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
APHA’s annual conference can attract over 12,000 professionals from around the world and serves as a platform for critical discussions on health equity, innovation, and public health collaboration. Within this dynamic environment, Annu joined Dr. Rebecca Weston, assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Nursing, as panelists in an APHA Key Session titled ‘In Pursuit of IDD-Inclusive Health Systems: Special Olympics International as a Champion of Health Equity’.
The session highlighted four key projects led by Special Olympics International to promote health equity for people with IDD, focusing on health policy assessment, care coordination, training healthcare providers, and addressing financial barriers to accessible care.
Maryland’s Collaborative Model for Inclusive Care
At the APHA session, Annu and Dr. Weston highlighted University of Maryland Baltimore’s collaborative approach to improving disability care through interprofessional education and authentic patient interactions. A key component of this model is the collaboration with Special Olympics Maryland to train Health Messengers as Standardized Patients (SPs). These SPs portray patients in clinical scenarios, offering healthcare students the opportunity to practice communication and clinical skills. For the first time, UMB students engaged with SPs who authentically represented the IDD population. This pilot program allowed students to navigate realistic scenarios and receive direct feedback from Health Messengers like Annu, fostering a deeper understanding of patient-centered care.
“As healthcare professionals, educators, and advocates, the responsibility is clear: to ensure that individuals with IDD receive the care they deserve. By amplifying voices like Annu’s, the vision of a healthcare system where inclusion is the norm becomes ever closer to reality.”
Annu’s Journey
Annu’s path to becoming a Health Messenger is a powerful story of resilience and advocacy. Growing up, he faced a lot of challenges—family separation, time in foster care, and periods of homelessness. Yet. rather than letting these obstacles define him, Annu transformed them into stepping stones toward leadership and inclusion. Each challenge shaped his determination to uplift others and advocate for a world where everyone, regardless of ability, is seen, heard, and valued.
As an athlete leader in Special Olympics Maryland, Annu excels in sports such as track and field, kayaking, and bocce. His commitment to health extends beyond athletics; as a Health Messenger, he inspires others to prioritize wellness and advocates for inclusive care practices.
Reflecting on his experience at the APHA conference, Annu specifically shared: “My time in Minneapolis was incredible for many reasons. Attending the American Public Health Conference was a huge success. It gave me the opportunity to speak in front of a diverse audience who can carry our message of adopting inclusive health practices. I was proud to represent Special Olympics Maryland and the School of Nursing, but I’m most proud to represent my fellow Health Messengers - athletes sharing the message of health and advocating for inclusion.”
Annu also described how his role as an SP has transformed his life: “Being a Standardized Patient is doing incredible wonders for me. It gives me a chance to study new materials and cases while supporting our future healthcare workforce. It also doesn’t hurt to have reliable employment, which makes me feel independent and a contributing member of my Baltimore community.”
Addressing the Public Health Imperative
The importance of initiatives like this is often underscored by persistent disparities in healthcare for individuals with disabilities. Collaborations like those between UMB and Special Olympics Maryland are working to combat these disparities. This interprofessional training equips healthcare students with the tools they need to provide equitable care and will serve as a cornerstone of a new interprofessional disability elective course beginning fall 2025.
Annu’s contributions as both an advocate and SP have left a lasting impact on UMB students, emphasizing the critical role of breaking down barriers and creating inclusive healthcare systems.
Conclusion
Annu’s journey to the APHA conference and his role as a Health Messenger exemplify the transformative power of inclusion. Through partnerships like those between UMB and Special Olympics Maryland, healthcare education is being reshaped, paving the way for a more equitable future.
As healthcare professionals, educators, and advocates, the responsibility is clear: to ensure that individuals with IDD receive the care they deserve. By amplifying voices like Annu’s, the vision of a healthcare system where inclusion is the norm becomes ever closer to reality.
About the Authors
Dr. Rebecca Weston is an assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Nursing. She holds a Doctor of Education in Developmental Education specializing in Curriculum and Instruction Design, is a Certified Nurse Educator, and is Vice President of the Alliance for Disability in Healthcare Education. Dr. Weston uses her expertise in increasing student engagement and interprofessional collaboration to help improve disability care and advocacy among healthcare students.
Mackenzie Irvin oversees the Inclusive Health and Fitness work at Special Olympics Maryland. Mackenzie holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) focused in Political Science from Le Moyne College. She has a demonstrated history of working in the sports industry with a heightened focus on accessibility, belonging, and health equity. Much of Mackenzie’s work encourages health care systems to be more inclusive, diverse, innovative, and representative of the communities they serve.
Annu Singleton is an athlete leader from Baltimore City competing year-round in Special Olympics. Annu is also trained as a Special Olympics Maryland Health Messenger. This training empowers Annu to advocate for the health needs of people with intellectual disabilities and promotes his knowledge of health and change in health behaviors. Annu wants to set a good example for other Special Olympic athletes by exercising, eating right, and taking better care of himself.