Steven Perlman, DDS
A Lifelong Advocate for People with IDD
Crissy Renner
Steven Perlman, DDS, President of People Advocating for Optimal Health (PAOH), has dedicated more than 50 years to improving healthcare access and outcomes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Dr. Perlman is a clinical professor of Pediatric Dentistry at Boston University’s Goldman School of Dental Medicine and an adjunct professor in the Division of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. In 1993, he founded the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes program, which has grown into a major global public-health initiative for people with IDD. In 2002, he co-founded the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD) to promote collaboration among medical and dental professionals caring for people with developmental disabilities.
Dr. Perlman is also a co-founder of HELEN: The Journal of Human Exceptionality, a publication dedicated to issues affecting people with disabilities, their families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. HELEN was launched in 2022 through the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD), based on the vision and leadership of Dr. Steven Perlman and Dr. Rick Rader. The journal focuses on education, training, policy, advocacy, healthcare, and the lives of people with disabilities.
His commitment to health equity has also received national recognition. During Henry Schein Cares’ 25th anniversary, Dr. Perlman was selected as one of 25 Healthcare Heroes, recognizing individuals and organizations whose service, leadership, and commitment to helping others exemplify the organization’s mission of creating healthier communities.
The recognition highlighted Dr. Perlman's philanthropic work, dedication, and contributions to his community. His decades of clinical practice, education, advocacy, and leadership have helped bring greater attention to the healthcare needs of people with IDD.
Today, Dr. Perlman continues this work as President of PAOH and Senior Editor for Special Projects at HELEN: The Journal of Human Exceptionality, continuing his efforts to advance health equity and ensure that people with disabilities receive appropriate, respectful, person-centered healthcare.
About the Author
Crissy Renner holds a degree as a National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA). She is currently working at the Orange Grove Center in the Morton J. Kent Habilitation Center with Dr. Rick Rader as his Administrative Assistant. While at her position at Orange Grove, she has accomplished becoming the Special Olympics Coordinator, a Dementia trainer, Managing Editor of HELEN, and the Executive Assistant to Project D.I.M.E. During her time working for Orange Grove Center, she has grown in many areas and has become an integral part of Project D.I.M.E., and at Orange Grove with the inner workings of many important projects.