On this episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escudé sits down with two remarkable nurses—Patty Haberkorn and Deanna Cox—at the Illinois Developmental Disabilities Nurses Conference. With a combined four decades of experience supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), Patty and Deanna share powerful insights into nursing, advocacy, communication, and the often-overlooked emotional rewards of this career path.

Patty, who began her journey as a nurse and now serves as Executive Director at Futures Unlimited, and Deanna, a dedicated nurse who found her calling in DD care after working in long-term care, both reflect on how they "fell into the field" and stayed out of passion. They open up about the gaps in nursing education regarding IDD, the importance of understanding non-verbal communication, and the critical role of baseline behavior in diagnosing health issues.

This episode covers:

• The value of advocacy from nurses and direct support professionals

• Real-world challenges in educating physicians and gaining respect for individuals with IDD

• Why knowing a person's baseline behavior is crucial for accurate medical care

• The emotional connection between care staff and the individuals they support

• Staffing and funding challenges in the IDD sector—and why passion still keeps them going

Whether you're a nurse, DSP, administrator, or someone curious about working in disability services, this conversation offers heartfelt stories and essential wisdom about the importance—and joy—of working in this field.

🔗 Learn more about IDD Health Matters and explore career opportunities:
Friends for Life Residential Care – https://www.friendsforliferc.com
IntellectAbility – https://www.replacingrisk.com