Institute for Exceptional Care
About
IEC (Institute for Exceptional Care) is a national nonprofit working to make healthcare better and safer for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD). IEC partners with people with lived experience of IDD, family members, and healthcare professionals to change the way care is taught, delivered, and paid for by creating tools, programs, and campaigns.
IEC was born out of the frustrations and anxieties that too many families face in getting proper medical care for their loved ones with IDD. Founded by healthcare professionals with the lived experience of supporting loved ones with IDD, IEC was created to drive large-scale, sustainable change in healthcare that improves wellbeing for people with IDD.
The Challenge
For individuals with IDD, accessing high-quality healthcare that aligns with their unique needs and preferences has been a longstanding challenge. They are more likely than the general population to have unmet healthcare needs, receive lower-quality healthcare, and access fewer preventive services. Additionally, they have higher rates of poor oral health, mental health challenges, and chronic conditions like diabetes, as well as deaths from COVID-19, suicide, and childbirth.
Our Solution
We work together with the healthcare and IDD communities to strengthen how healthcare is taught, delivered, and paid for, driving sustainable change so that:
- All clinicians feel confident and prepared to provide high-quality care and support for people with IDD;
- The health priorities and needs of people with IDD are properly addressed; and
- Insurance coverage supports whole-person, coordinated care and services that meet the needs of the IDD population.
By tackling these challenges, we are building an inclusive, accountable healthcare system that empowers people with IDD to thrive and reach their full potential.