Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing
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Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing
@golisanoddnursing.bsky.social
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The Golisano Institute transforms the quality of care and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) regionally, nationally, and internationally by training nursing professionals in field-specific skills and knowledge.
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Dyane Rodriguez, Lead Nursing Supervisor at Golisano Children’s Hospital/Lee Health, champions care for individuals with IDD. With 30+ years of experience, she drives autism-friendly initiatives and trains staff to deliver exceptional, patient-centered care.
A person wearing a black top and a pearl necklace is pictured outdoors with trees in the background. The image features a maroon banner at the top and bottom. The top banner reads “Golisano Fellowship in Developmental Disability Nursing.” The bottom banner includes the St. John Fisher University logo, the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing logo, and the word “Fellow.”
December 16, 2025 at 7:26 PM
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Today, Golisano Fellows heard an outstanding presentation on ableism from Dr. Suzanne Smeltzer, internationally recognized author and professor emerita from Villanova University. Her presentation included this TEDx Talk from writer and advocate Alycia Anderson. Watch : https://loom.ly/tk8kQZ4
A speaker in a wheelchair is positioned on a red circular carpet on a stage during a TEDx event. The background features a large TEDx logo in red and white with the words “South Lake Tahoe” displayed beneath it. The stage is dimly lit with a dark backdrop, emphasizing the bright logo and the speaker.
December 11, 2025 at 8:15 PM
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Thank you to the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry for your support of nurses serving people with IDD!
https://loom.ly/RpvK578
A statement from the American Academy of Developmental Medicine & Dentistry (AADMD) affirming the essential role of nurses and other health professionals in caring for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). The text emphasizes their expertise, daily presence, and close relationships as foundational to safe, person-centered care. It addresses concerns about recent U.S. Department of Education actions limiting recognition of nursing as a “professional degree” discipline, warning of negative impacts on healthcare systems. AADMD expresses strong support for nurses and highlights their partnership with the Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association (DDNA), listing roles such as early recognition of health changes, preventing avoidable hospitalizations, coordinating multidisciplinary care, supporting families, ensuring safe medication practices, and reducing diagnostic overshadowing. A call for policy reconsideration is included. On the left side, a blue box with white text reads: “This work is highly skilled, deeply professional, and vital to health, safety, and dignity.”
December 9, 2025 at 8:51 PM
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Meet Golisano Fellow Ashley Asberry!

Ashley serves individuals with IDD as a nurse at St. Louis Arc and as a volunteer at the Living Independently Now Center. Driven by her passion for mental health, she plans to advance her education as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
A person wearing a light gray top is standing indoors against a white door background. The image has a maroon border with text at the top reading “Golisano Fellowship in Developmental Disability Nursing.” At the bottom left, the St. John Fisher University logo and “Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing” are displayed. The word “Fellow” appears in white text at the bottom right.
December 9, 2025 at 7:02 PM
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Meet Stephanie Bakker! She is a faculty member at the Wegmans School of Nursing at St. John Fisher University, nurse practitioner, and inclusion advocate who is passionate about improving health care outcomes and quality of life for individuals with IDD through collaboration and systemic change.
Promotional graphic for the Golisano Fellowship in Developmental Disability Nursing. The design features a maroon curved border at the top and bottom with white text reading “Golisano Fellowship in Developmental Disability Nursing” at the top. At the bottom, the St. John Fisher University logo and the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing logo appear on the left, and the word “Fellow” is displayed on the right. The central area shows a person with shoulder-length blonde hair wearing a dark outfit.
December 1, 2025 at 2:10 PM
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The Golisano Institute has created an engaging course with practical information to help nurses recognize and manage pain in patients with IDD. CE contact hours are available. You can also find us on HealthStream or NurseGrid, which may be available through your institution. https://loom.ly/2OmmEA4
A person lying in a hospital bed covered with white sheets, with visible brown hair resting on a pillow. The background shows a clinical setting. Overlaid text reads: “Just because I can’t tell you I’m in pain doesn’t mean I don’t feel it.” At the bottom, the logo for St. John Fisher University and the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing is displayed on a red banner.
November 21, 2025 at 3:32 PM
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Meet Dr. Rebecca Weston, assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Nursing. She champions inclusive healthcare, created the elective “Exploring Disability in Healthcare,” and is driving change through disability-focused education and advocacy to ensure equitable care for all.
A professional headshot with a maroon border featuring white text at the top that reads “Golisano Fellow in Developmental Disability Nursing.” At the bottom, the St. John Fisher University logo appears on the left, alongside the text “Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing.” The fellowship year “2025–2026” is displayed on the right. The person has long, straight, light blonde hair and is wearing a black top.
November 20, 2025 at 4:08 PM
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Welcome back, Dr. Patricia West!
Assistant professor at MSU and 2023–2024 Golisano Fellow, Dr. West specializes in nursing, disability, and family care. Her research focuses on communication tech for adolescents with developmental disorders and inclusive education.
November 19, 2025 at 6:03 PM
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The Golisano Institute is in Buffalo, NY, today, hosting “Navigating Complex Needs,” a workshop for IDD professionals at People, Inc. Topics include well-being strategies, psychopharmacology insights, and team approaches to improve outcomes. #IDD #HealthcareInnovation
Pictured: People Inc. Chief Program Officer and Golisano Fellow, Maralyn Militello, with Golisano Fellowship Director Jane Tobias. Two people are standing side by side in front of a weathered brick wall with patches of white paint. Both are dressed in business-casual attire; one is wearing a light blue blazer over a patterned shirt, and the other is wearing a cream-colored sweater with a dark patterned scarf. Holly Brown, Executive Director of the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing. A speaker stands at a podium holding a microphone in one hand and a presentation clicker in the other, addressing an audience seated at round tables. A laptop is placed on the podium, and large windows in the background let in natural light, revealing an outdoor view with a streetlamp and buildings. The room has dark curtains and a professional event setup.
November 14, 2025 at 6:47 PM
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Thrilled to welcome Dr. Renáta Tichá back as a Mentor in the Golisano Fellowship Program! As research director and senior associate at the University of Minnesota, she focuses on developing and evaluating interventions for people with IDD.
November 12, 2025 at 6:03 PM
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Aging with IDD brings unique challenges—especially when caregivers are aging too. Our systems aren’t built for this. We need better policies and real conversations about future care. 🧠🏠👥

🔗 https://loom.ly/tpvHpXs
Close-up of two hands clasped together, one appearing younger and the other older. The older person is seated and wearing a striped shirt with a shoulder strap visible. The background is softly blurred with greenery, suggesting an outdoor setting.
November 11, 2025 at 2:54 PM
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A fall checkup can prevent winter setbacks. Schedule annual visits for medication reviews to detect side effects, such as dizziness, and vision exams to ensure safe navigation in changing environments.
Graphic titled “Fall Safety Tips” with a message: “A fall checkup can prevent a winter setback.” It suggests scheduling annual reviews in fall, including medication reviews to identify side effects like dizziness or drowsiness, and vision exams to ensure individuals can safely navigate changing environments. The left side has text on a yellow background with the St. John Fisher University and Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing logos. The right side shows a healthcare professional in a white coat holding a pen and clipboard, with a stethoscope visible and a tablet on the desk.
November 10, 2025 at 7:30 PM
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Not every sign of pain looks the same. For people with intellectual disabilities, pain is often missed or misattributed. Our learning module helps nurses uncover hidden pain and challenge biases in acute care. Ensure every patient is understood and supported.   https://loom.ly/_Ybjmjg
A healthcare professional wearing teal scrubs, a stethoscope, and blue gloves is holding a tablet device. White text over the image reads: “Not everybody’s pain looks the same.” At the bottom, there is a logo for St. John Fisher University and the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing.
November 6, 2025 at 7:07 PM
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Dr. Deborah Napolitano is an associate professor at Daemen University and a consultant at the Golisano Institute. She is a prolific and exceptional researcher and policy advocate for IDD and behavioral analysis. We are so grateful to have her as a mentor this year for the Golisano Fellowship!
Headshot-style image with a stone wall background. The top of the image has text that reads “Golisano Fellowship in Developmental Disability Nursing.” At the bottom, there is the St. John Fisher University logo and the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing logo, along with the word “Mentor.”
November 5, 2025 at 8:12 PM
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Join the NTG for a free webinar: "Capturing Observations of Change Using the NTG-EDSD" on Mon, Nov 17, 2025, 7–8pm ET via Zoom. Learn about this dementia screening tool & register today!

https://loom.ly/lW80S4k
https://loom.ly/GaZSOzM
Two people sitting outdoors in a grassy area, both wearing red jackets and smiling at each other.
November 3, 2025 at 9:42 PM
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Autumn layers should strike a balance between warmth, safety, and comfort. Individuals with IDD may struggle to regulate temperature. Dress in easy-to-remove layers, avoid scarves or loose clothing that pose hazards, and monitor for overheating or chill.
A safety tips graphic titled “Fall Safety Tips” with advice for autumn layering to balance warmth, safety, and sensory comfort. It includes guidance for individuals with IDD: dress in removable layers, avoid scarves or loose clothing, and monitor for overheating or chill. The image shows three people outdoors, one seated in a wheelchair, with supportive interaction. The bottom features the St. John Fisher University and Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing logos.
November 3, 2025 at 1:37 PM
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We’re celebrating 7 years of the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing! Thank you for supporting our mission to empower nurses and champion inclusion.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who shares our commitment to transforming the quality of care and support for people with IDD.
Graphic with text reading “Celebrating 7 years of empowering nurses and championing inclusion.” A blue number 7 candle is lit on top of a cupcake decorated with gold and blue sprinkles. At the bottom are the St. John Fisher University and Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing logos, with a website link at the top.
October 30, 2025 at 1:57 PM
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Dr. Mary Reidy is an IDD nurse and educator at South East Technological University and a Golisano Fellowship alumnus. She works as an academic nurse & researcher, focusing on the mental health of nurses, substance abuse, and targeted health promotion of vulnerable groups. Welcome back, Dr. Reidy.
A professional headshot of a person with long straight blonde hair wearing a white top with horizontal stripes in blue, black, and mustard yellow. The background is white, and the image is framed with a maroon border. Text at the top reads “Golisano Fellowship in Developmental Disability Nursing.” At the bottom, the logos for St. John Fisher University and the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing are visible, along with the word “Mentor.”
October 29, 2025 at 5:05 PM
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A new article by Dr. Holly Brown and Dr. Sarah Ailey highlights the importance of plain language in patient portals. Clear reports empower patients to ask questions, engage in care, and advocate for themselves, turning visits into active participation and promoting equity. https://loom.ly/rw1gIcs
Person sitting at a table in a kitchen setting, wearing a denim shirt, with one hand raised and the other resting near a laptop. The background includes wooden cutting boards and kitchen utensils.
October 28, 2025 at 5:33 PM
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Movement helps prevent falls and boosts health, but colder, darker months can reduce activity. Caregivers can promote indoor balance exercises like seated Tai Chi, while seasonal walks with loved ones offer connection. Adapt routines for rainy or icy days to stay active.
A group of people standing indoors on yoga mats with arms raised above their heads in a prayer position, participating in a fitness or balance exercise. On the left side of the image, there is a yellow section with text titled “Fall Safety Tips,” advising to keep moving even when the leaves stop falling. The tips include encouraging indoor balance exercises like seated Tai Chi, using seasonal walks to engage with nature, and adapting routines for rainy days. At the bottom, the St. John Fisher University logo and the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing name are displayed.
October 27, 2025 at 7:20 PM
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Can you recognize when your patient is in pain?

Aggression or agitation may be their way of saying, “This hurts.”

Take our 45-minute course for nurses in acute care to learn practical pain management strategies for patients with IDD. CE hours available: https://loom.ly/_Ybjmjg

Graphic with a teal and white background featuring the heading “Did You Know?” in a red banner. Below, text reads: “Sometimes aggression or withdrawal are a patient’s way of saying ‘this hurts.’” At the bottom are the St. John Fisher University and Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing logos.
October 23, 2025 at 4:08 PM
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We’re excited to welcome Fellowship Mentor Dr. Melissa Leisen, Interim Director of Lab and Experiential Learning and assistant professor of nursing at Marymount University. Her recent work has focused on a toolkit to create experiential learning opportunities for students. Welcome, Dr. Leisen!
A person with curly hair smiles at the camera in an indoor setting with large windows and blurred lights. A red banner at the top reads "Golisano Fellowship in Developmental Disability Nursing." The bottom left features logos for St. John Fisher University and the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing. The word "Mentor" appears in the bottom right corner.
October 22, 2025 at 5:03 PM
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Sensory-rich fall activities can soothe and engage individuals with IDD. Try apple tasting, gluten-free apple cinnamon playdough, or glittery fall-themed slime to explore flavor, texture, and smell while strengthening social bonds.
Infographic about Sensory Experiences from St. John Fisher University and the Golisano Institute, featuring fall-themed sensory activities for individuals with IDD, including apple tasting, gluten-free playdough, and glittery slime. Includes an image of an adult holding a child outdoors."
October 20, 2025 at 1:09 PM
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Congrats to Dr. Jane Tobias, who will be inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing this weekend! She joins 3,200+ Fellows advancing health equity through nursing leadership, innovation, and science. https://loom.ly/q4CyVpY
A person with brown hair wearing a black shirt and a gold necklace, in front of a blue background.
October 16, 2025 at 4:58 PM
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Mentor Dr. Rebecca Kronk is an associate dean and professor at Duquesne University. A clinical and research expert in the area of genetic conditions and IDD, Dr. Kronk seeks to build community initiatives promoting creativity and enhance the nursing curriculum to improve competencies and treatment.
A person with short hair and glasses smiles at the camera, wearing an orange blazer over a patterned top. The dark blue background features the text 'Golisano Fellowship in Developmental Disability Nursing.' Logos for St. John Fisher University and Golisano Institute appear in the bottom left, and 'Mentor' is written in the bottom right.
October 15, 2025 at 5:03 PM