A brief look at IEC’s 2025 impact, and our goals for the next year
2025 has been a year like no other. Like many organizations, IEC has had to adapt to rapidly changing economic and policy conditions. Through it all, we have been inspired by IDD self-advocates, family members, and dedicated healthcare leaders. Their experiences kept us focused on what matters most and dedicated to making an even greater impact.
As we close our fifth year, we are proud to share several major accomplishments:
Dental Toolkit
A set of simple, printable materials that help dental teams prepare for and support patients with IDD. More than 30 dental practices in New Jersey and Michigan are already piloting the toolkit.
Always Uniquely Me App
A new tool that helps people with IDD share important personal information with clinicians in emergency rooms and other settings. Northwell Health, New York State’s largest health system, is piloting the app with up to 1,200 people.
Environment of Care Resource Guide for Emergency Departments
Practical recommendations for low-cost changes hospitals can make to reduce stress and improve safety for patients with IDD, their families, and clinical teams.
Positive Discourse
A continuing education course for clinicians on how to support people with communication disabilities. More than 400 clinicians completed the course in its first few months.
We’re proud to say that our hard work is delivering results and sparking change around the country:
- Northwell Health is investing in a new Center on IDD to improve services across the New York City region.
- Stanford University Children’s Hospital is exploring ways to strengthen care for children and youth with IDD.
- IEC advised the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education on new national guidelines to ensure that all medical residency programs can offer basic training in IDD care.
We’re excited to take this work into 2026 as we expand tools and resources for clinicians, continue to lead on IDD health education, and pilot a new fellowship for people with IDD who want to build job skills and strengthen their ability to advocate for better care.
We could not have achieved so much in such a short time without our many steadfast partners, the input from our self-advocates, and your generous support!
Please consider making a year-end gift to support IEC’s work. Your generosity fuels our work, fills us with hope, and most importantly, helps create a better, safer healthcare system for people with IDD.
With gratitude and warm wishes for a peaceful new year,
