Author | Lightnews

Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing @golisanoddnursing.bsky.social · 1d

We’re celebrating 7 years of the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing! Thank you for supporting our mission to empower nurses and champion inclusion.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who shares our commitment to transforming the quality of care and support for people with IDD.

Graphic with text reading “Celebrating 7 years of empowering nurses and championing inclusion.” A blue number 7 candle is lit on top of a cupcake decorated with gold and blue sprinkles. At the bottom are the St. John Fisher University and Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing logos, with a website link at the top.

Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing @golisanoddnursing.bsky.social · 2d

Dr. Mary Reidy is an IDD nurse and educator at South East Technological University and a Golisano Fellowship alumnus. She works as an academic nurse & researcher, focusing on the mental health of nurses, substance abuse, and targeted health promotion of vulnerable groups. Welcome back, Dr. Reidy.

Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing @golisanoddnursing.bsky.social · 3d

A new article by Dr. Holly Brown and Dr. Sarah Ailey highlights the importance of plain language in patient portals. Clear reports empower patients to ask questions, engage in care, and advocate for themselves, turning visits into active participation and promoting equity. https://loom.ly/rw1gIcs

Person sitting at a table in a kitchen setting, wearing a denim shirt, with one hand raised and the other resting near a laptop. The background includes wooden cutting boards and kitchen utensils.

Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing @golisanoddnursing.bsky.social · 4d

Movement helps prevent falls and boosts health, but colder, darker months can reduce activity. Caregivers can promote indoor balance exercises like seated Tai Chi, while seasonal walks with loved ones offer connection. Adapt routines for rainy or icy days to stay active.

1

Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing @golisanoddnursing.bsky.social · 8d

Can you recognize when your patient is in pain?

Aggression or agitation may be their way of saying, “This hurts.”

Take our 45-minute course for nurses in acute care to learn practical pain management strategies for patients with IDD. CE hours available: https://loom.ly/_Ybjmjg

Graphic with a teal and white background featuring the heading “Did You Know?” in a red banner. Below, text reads: “Sometimes aggression or withdrawal are a patient’s way of saying ‘this hurts.’” At the bottom are the St. John Fisher University and Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing logos.

1

Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing @golisanoddnursing.bsky.social · 9d

We’re excited to welcome Fellowship Mentor Dr. Melissa Leisen, Interim Director of Lab and Experiential Learning and assistant professor of nursing at Marymount University. Her recent work has focused on a toolkit to create experiential learning opportunities for students. Welcome, Dr. Leisen!

A person with curly hair smiles at the camera in an indoor setting with large windows and blurred lights. A red banner at the top reads "Golisano Fellowship in Developmental Disability Nursing." The bottom left features logos for St. John Fisher University and the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing. The word "Mentor" appears in the bottom right corner.

Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing @golisanoddnursing.bsky.social · 10d

Golisano Faculty Fellow Dr. Ellen Donald was featured for FGCU’s Adaptive Sports Day, where individuals with disabilities explored kayaking, tennis & more. With PT/OT student support, the event highlighted inclusive care & hands-on learning. #IDD #AdaptiveSports https://loom.ly/VD-je6o

Uniting through sports: FGCU's Adaptive Sports Day brings together students and athletes

Adaptive Sports Day at FGCU gives students and those with disabilities a chance to try new sports.

www.wgcu.org

Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing @golisanoddnursing.bsky.social · 11d

Sensory-rich fall activities can soothe and engage individuals with IDD. Try apple tasting, gluten-free apple cinnamon playdough, or glittery fall-themed slime to explore flavor, texture, and smell while strengthening social bonds.

Infographic about Sensory Experiences from St. John Fisher University and the Golisano Institute, featuring fall-themed sensory activities for individuals with IDD, including apple tasting, gluten-free playdough, and glittery slime. Includes an image of an adult holding a child outdoors."

Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing @golisanoddnursing.bsky.social · 15d

Congrats to Dr. Jane Tobias, who will be inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing this weekend! She joins 3,200+ Fellows advancing health equity through nursing leadership, innovation, and science. https://loom.ly/q4CyVpY

A person with brown hair wearing a black shirt and a gold necklace, in front of a blue background.

1

Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing @golisanoddnursing.bsky.social · 16d

Mentor Dr. Rebecca Kronk is an associate dean and professor at Duquesne University. A clinical and research expert in the area of genetic conditions and IDD, Dr. Kronk seeks to build community initiatives promoting creativity and enhance the nursing curriculum to improve competencies and treatment.

A person with short hair and glasses smiles at the camera, wearing an orange blazer over a patterned top. The dark blue background features the text 'Golisano Fellowship in Developmental Disability Nursing.' Logos for St. John Fisher University and Golisano Institute appear in the bottom left, and 'Mentor' is written in the bottom right.

Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing @golisanoddnursing.bsky.social · 17d

Bias in healthcare can lead people with IDD to delay or skip care, worsening health outcomes. A CQL study links provider discrimination to lost trust and poor access. Want to improve care? Explore our “Bias and Its Impact on Health” module: https://loom.ly/JyxuYLc
🔗 Study: https://loom.ly/IX75Wag

A person with short black hair in a brown shirt sits on a light-colored couch. Another individual in a blue shirt, seen from behind, gently places a hand on their shoulder, suggesting a supportive or conversational moment indoors.

Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing @golisanoddnursing.bsky.social · 18d

As leaves fall and surfaces become slick, individuals with IDD—who may already have balance or mobility challenges—face increased risk of falls. Encourage caregivers to remove clutter from walkways, use mobility aids as prescribed, ensure proper clothing fit, and improve lighting in homes.

Informational graphic titled 'Fall Safety Tips' with guidance for preventing falls among individuals with IDD, including removing clutter, using mobility aids, and improving home safety. Includes logos for St. John Fisher University and the Golisano Institute.

Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing @golisanoddnursing.bsky.social · 22d

Training in IDD care can reduce hospital stays & improve outcomes. A Canadian study shows people with IDD are overrepresented in long-term psychiatric care facilities and cared for by inexperienced staff. Golisano Institute helps address these gaps.
https://loom.ly/LWJyjKY https://loom.ly/HfpRVPE

A clean, brightly lit hospital corridor with blue-tiled floors, closed doors lining both sides, a wooden bench on the left, and a potted plant on the right. Double wooden doors with small windows are visible at the end beneath an illuminated exit sign.

Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing @golisanoddnursing.bsky.social · 23d

Dr. Cathy Koetting, associate professor at Stephens College and Golisano Fellow alum, returns this year as a mentor. She brings extensive teaching experience and a background in researching health outcomes in individuals with IDD. Welcome back to the Fellowship, Dr. Koetting!

A person smiling in front of a stone wall. A red banner at the top reads 'Golisano Fellowship in Developmental Disability Nursing.' At the bottom left are logos for St. John Fisher University and the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing. 'Mentor' appears in the bottom right corner.

Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing @golisanoddnursing.bsky.social · 28d

Dr. Holly Brown attended the Golisano Foundation's 40th anniversary, where Special Olympics honored the 2025 Global Golisano Health Leadership Award recipients. Dr. Brown had the honor of meeting Loretta Claiborne, athlete and Chief Inspiration Officer at Special Olympics. https://loom.ly/ulLoPQ4

Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing @golisanoddnursing.bsky.social · 29d

Project DIME is a vital step toward health equity for people with disabilities. Nurses must be part of this change, and we support making disability a required part of pre-licensure education across all health professions. https://loom.ly/oYtTQDw

PROJECT D.I.M.E. — Helen: The Journal of Human Exceptionality

Rick Rader, MD, FAAIDD, FAADM, Editor-in-chief, Helen Journal: “ Sixty years ago, Sir Robert Platt, the respected British physician and medical educator wrote in the British Medical Journal, “The first staggering fact about medical education is that after two and a half years of being taught on the

helenjournal.org

Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing @golisanoddnursing.bsky.social · 29d

A recent study published in the American Journal of Critical Care recommends specialized training for clinicians who care for individuals with IDD. Read to learn more, and then explore the Golisano Institute's online continuing education modules. https://loom.ly/wUApaoE https://loom.ly/HfpRVPE

A patient lies in a hospital bed covered with a light blue blanket, wearing a hospital gown. A person dressed in blue sits beside the bed, gently holding the patient's hand, conveying comfort and support in a medical setting.

Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing @golisanoddnursing.bsky.social · 29d

A recent study published in the American Journal of Critical Care recommends specialized training for clinicians who care for individuals with IDD. Read to learn more, and then explore the Golisano Institute's online continuing education modules. https://loom.ly/wUApaoE https://loom.ly/HfpRVPE

Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing @golisanoddnursing.bsky.social · Oct 1

Dr. Sinead Foran is an assistant professor at Dublin City University. As an RNID, she has worked with patients with ID and their families for more than 20 years. Dr. Foran is experienced in many environments our Golisano Fellows will encounter in their work. Welcome, Dr. Foran!

Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing @golisanoddnursing.bsky.social · Sep 30

Most autistic adults over 40 are undiagnosed, says a new King's College London study. They face the same health disparities as people with IDD. Another reason all health providers should receive inclusive education on working with IDD patients--it improves care for everyone. https://loom.ly/mHrN_8E

Four older adults sit on a couch, smiling and laughing together. Behind them is a light-colored wall with framed pictures. Text overlay reads: 'Nearly 90% of autistic adults over 40 years are undiagnosed' by Alison Bloomer, Sep 1, 2025. Tags: Autism, News.

Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing @golisanoddnursing.bsky.social · Sep 25

The Rosemary Collaboratory Initiative has created a new report that highlights health outcomes, challenges, and promising practices based on feedback from people with IDD, their families, and healthcare workers. Check it out! https://loom.ly/V7zW4fE

The Rosemary Collaboratory Initiative Releases Report on IDD Healthcare - RCPA

The Rosemary Collaboratory Initiative has shared Barriers to Care: A Comprehensive Analysis of Health System Challenges for People with Intellectual and Developmental

paproviders.org

Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing @golisanoddnursing.bsky.social · Sep 24

Golisano Fellowship Mentor Elizabeth Eng is a Daisy Award-winning clinical nurse at Miami Valley Hospital known for her advocacy for patients with IDD. Her work has helped educate hospital staff to improve care for patients with IDD, and we are looking forward to her sharing her expertise this year!

Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing @golisanoddnursing.bsky.social · Sep 17

A new study shows implicit bias in healthcare—especially around race and disability—can hinder equitable care for patients with IDD. Those with higher bias were more likely to view patients as having challenging behaviors and a lower quality of life. https://loom.ly/FVnn7hk

A healthcare professional in a white coat uses a stethoscope to examine the chest of a person in a wheelchair. The person is wearing a gray t-shirt and beige pants.

Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing @golisanoddnursing.bsky.social · Sep 16

Welcome, Heather Damiano, MSN, CRNP, CPNP-PC! Heather is a pediatric nurse practitioner at CHOP with 15+ years in NICU care. She advocates for inclusive healthcare and awareness of the complex needs of children with IDD. We're excited to have her join us as a Golisano Fellowship mentor!

A person with long, wavy hair against a plain white background. The top of the image displays the text "Golisano Fellowship in Developmental Disability Nursing." The bottom left corner features the logos of St. John Fisher University and the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing. The bottom right corner contains the word "Mentor."

Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing @golisanoddnursing.bsky.social · Sep 15

ICYMI: The Golisano Institute launched a groundbreaking online curriculum to help nurses deliver equitable care to patients with IDD. Self-paced, CE-eligible, and packed with practical tools to improve outcomes and experiences. Explore the modules today!
https://loom.ly/PUryOrM

Fall 2025 | CE Curriculum for Acute Care Nurses - St. John Fisher University

The Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing at St. John Fisher University has launched an innovative, first-of-its-kind continuing education curriculum to help nurses deliver equitable care to patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

www.sjf.edu