Dean Freedman Featured in Panel on Developmental Disabilities

Ruth Freedman, associate dean for academic affairs at Boston University School of Social Work, participated in a panel briefing at The Boston Foundation, January 30, presenting the results of a recently released health care research report conducted by The ARC of Massachusetts, “Left Out in the Cold: Health Care Experiences of Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Massachusetts.” The panel included Secretary of Health and Human Services Dr. Judy Ann Bigby, and House Chairman of the Committee on Public Health Rep. Peter Koutoujian.

Funded by The Boston Foundation, the research team for this health care study consisted of Associate Dean Ruth Freedman, Health Policy Director of The ARC of MA Mandy Nichols, and BUSSW doctoral student Rolanda Ward. The report’s findings were based on 10 focus groups with families, individuals with disabilities and community support professionals, interviews with health care professionals, health care insurance providers, state legislators, and state administration officials.

Said Associate Dean Freedman, “The research is critical to understanding how health and mental health providers across the Commonwealth can provide better access and care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as how we can best support their families. Social workers can play a vital role in responding to these needs, through advocacy, care coordination, education and training."

The report cites barriers in the areas of knowledge, care coordination, insurance, communication, access and quality for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities which include specific disabilities such as down syndrome, autism, and cerebral palsy among others. Secretary JudyAnn Bigby, MD, said, “Initiatives in our Olmstead Plan and Community First agenda identify goals in long-term health care issues. This research will help advance those efforts.”

Learn more about the report or related coverage on developmental disabilities in MA.

About BUSSW:
Distinguished by its urban mission and clinical and macro practice focus, the Boston University School of Social Work is committed to educating masters’ and doctoral level students who will become leaders in a multicultural environment. The School offers the MSW and PhD degrees, as well as continuing professional education, and its nationally recognized faculty has been ranked 8th among schools of social work with doctoral programs. Located in a diverse and academically rich community, the School offers almost unlimited opportunities for urban social work practice and research. Visit bu.edu/ssw for more information.

About Boston University:
Founded in 1839, Boston University is an internationally recognized institution of higher education and research. With more than 30,000 students, it is the fourth largest independent university in the United States. BU consists of 17 colleges and schools along with a number of multi-disciplinary centers and institutes which are central to the school’s research and teaching mission.