Addressing Healthcare Fragmentation for Adults with IDD through Embedding OT in Primary Care

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026

3:10 PM – 4:10 PM

Course Description

This presentation addresses the fragmentation of healthcare experienced by adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) by integrating an occupational therapist into a specialized interdisciplinary primary care clinic. Adults with IDD often face limited, siloed healthcare services that contribute to poorer health outcomes, increased healthcare costs, and heightened provider burnout. To address these challenges, this initiative embeds occupational therapy within the existing interdisciplinary care model at the Timothy Freeman Center at the University of Cincinnati, a primary care clinic dedicated to individuals with IDD. Embedding OT in primary care serves to highlight the expanded scope and value of OT practice across the adult lifespan, particularly for individuals with pediatric-onset disabilities. This model emphasizes the importance of applying a lifespan perspective when counseling adults with IDD and their families or caregivers about changing occupational needs and transitions in care.

Speakers

Content Level

Introductory: This level assumes the audience has little or no information regarding the content area.

Intermediate: This level assumes the audience has general familiarity with the literature and professional practice. The focus of the presentation is on increased understanding and application by the participants.

Practice Areas

Community-based Practice; Emerging Practice Area; Other