Addressing Ableism in Mental Healthcare for Patients with IDD – Micah Peace Urquilla

This Developmental Disabilities Network Journal Author Insights podcast episode features Micah Peace Urquilla. The episode discusses the article published in the Developmental Disabilities Network Journal by Micah, entitled, The Person Experiences Interview Survey: A Measure Addressing Ableism in Mental Healthcare for Patients with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. The Person Experiences Interview Survey (PEIS) is a tool developed to engage patients with IDD in their own care. The episode talks about how the mental healthcare system has more barriers and is more difficult to navigate and receive quality care for people with disabilities. Additionally, the podcast episode discusses how the PEIS aims to engage patients with IDD in their care to ensure it more person-centered.

National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities

The National Leadership Consortium is a partnership of 19 national developmental disabilities organizations with a wide-ranging mission. The consortium provides training and support to develop values-based leadership among disability sector leaders; promotes the rights of people with disabilities to direct their services and lives to fully belong in their chosen communities; and directs an intensive leadership development program. The National Leadership Consortium Bulletin serves as a bridge between scientific journals and day-to-day leadership by exploring key research and policy issues. The goal of the bulletin is to promote organizational change and assist leaders in supporting people with disabilities to experience inclusive, valuable, and meaningful lives. The April 2025 bulletin is titled, “The Intersection of Mental Health and IDD Leadership.” The bulletin covers many topics related to dual diagnosis, including bridging the mental health divide for individuals with intellectual disabilities, leadership perspectives on supporting dual diagnosis, improving services for people with dual diagnosis, caregiver mental health, and more.

Neurodivergent Affirming Research Checklist

This framework outlines the key components of affirming, ethical, and community-centered research on neurodivergent (ND) individuals. It emphasizes the use of respectful, identity-first language and frames neurodivergence as a natural part of human diversity rather than as a deficit. Neurodivergent-affirming research should aim to support autonomy, authenticity, and well-being rather than conformity or behavioral control. Ethical considerations include transparency, researcher reflexivity, and harm reduction. The inclusion of lived experience is essential, with ND individuals being meaningfully involved as collaborators or leaders. Measures and outcomes should reflect what matters to ND people—such as comfort, communication, and sensory safety—rather than neurotypical norms. The framework also calls for contextual awareness, acknowledging systemic and intersectional influences, and encourages accessible dissemination of findings. Bonus reflections inspired by neuro queer perspectives advocate for celebrating difference, embracing ambiguity, and expanding what counts as meaningful progress and knowledge.