doctor and patient with the words Medical Home on top

A Medical Home

If you want to take good care of your health, there are many things you can do.

One way is to get regular healthcare to keep you well.

Regular healthcare starts in primary care. It is the place you go to feel at "home" getting healthcare.

We call this a "medical home".

A primary care team knows you.

They are comfortable working with you.
They treat you like a whole person.
They know your history, your goals, and your concerns.

Video

In our own words: Dignity and respect

The ADA says that EVERYONE deserves RESPECT and DIGNITY

This video talks about In Our Own Words: Dignity and Respect

Advice from Special Olympics Indiana athletes and caregivers

Learn your rights.

The ADA is the American with Disabilities Act passed in 1990.

It makes sure that people with disabilities have their rights respected.

Here is the Self-Advocates Guide to the ADA from the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network

You can connect with groups who work on the rights of people with disabilities.

In Indiana:

The Governor's Council https://www.in.gov/gcpd/
Self-Advocates of Indiana https://saind.org/
Indiana Centers for Independent Living DDARS: Centers for Independent Living

Can you improve care for people with disabilities?

Become a teacher! You know what it is like.

Help your health teams offer better healthcare for persons with disabilities.

Ask them to learn to:

Use simple, clear words
Partner with people whit learning differences
Learn how to respect people with disabilities
- Video: Mary's Top 10: Communication Tips
Make care work for everyone - that's Universal Design
- Fact Sheet: Universal Design
Make care fit the person - that's the American with Disabilities Act
- Accommodate Technical Assistance - Great Lakes ADA Center

For more info: Special Olympics Inclusive Health Principles and Strategies

Video

Why Do You Need Primary Care?

This video teaches adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities why they need a primary care team.

Tips for clinicians in providing optimal primary care for adult patients with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Video - https://youtu.be/SQfQqkHXlV4?si=kqXZukRA44XpjIjH

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When should I see my doctor

Watch this video to learn more about when to visit a doctor.

If you have no health problems, you may just need to go at least once a year for a check-up.

Video

Annual Health Check in England

Persons with learning disabilities go to the doctor for a health check once a year.

We can do something like a health check in the U.S. We call it an annual physical or wellness visit.

You will talk about health screening.

You can talk about anything that is worrying you.

You can check on your health from top to bottom.

Click on the blue buttons below to pick the right form to be ready to tell your doctor about you.

Whole body health check

Young child IDD health check

If you have a chronic illness, you may need four or more visits a year.

If you have complex needs, you may need more help.

Learn how Care Coordination might be right for you:

Tap to flip the cards.

african american female nurse care coordinator in pink scrubs

Care Coordination

Care coordination organizes care.

Click the button to learn more about care coordination.

Care Coordination

Doctor using clip board to explain care to patient sitting in chair

Your medical home team knows the health system.

They can get you the right care at the right time.
They can help you with medicine refills, vaccines, physical forms, and ordering tests.
If you have a now health problem, call your team to ask what to do next. They may help you take care of it or help you get care from other teams.