National Nursing Summit on IDD Healthcare: Translating Evidence into Action
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The National Nursing Summit on IDD Healthcare: Translating Evidence into Action
September 23-25, 2027
Hosted by the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing at 杏吧原创 in Rochester, NY, the Summit is a national, action-oriented event designed to accelerate progress in equitable, high-quality care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). It will be held in Rochester, New York.
Solutions-focused to strengthen systems and support long-term change
Shifting away from a traditional conference model, the Summit is intentionally structured to move participants from evidence and expertise to shared priorities, implementation strategies, and sustained action. Nursing leaders from health systems, academia, and professional organizations will work together in a solutions-focused environment to address persistent health disparities and co-design strategies that strengthen IDD-inclusive care across education, practice, and health systems.
The Summit uses focused, collaborative working sessions to generate actionable recommendations, draft guidance, and early components of a multi-year roadmap to strengthen IDD-inclusive nursing across health systems, academic programs, and practice settings. These outputs will inform national implementation efforts and support long-term systems change.
More than a population-based intervention
When nurses provide high-quality care for people with IDD, everyone wins. Patients experience better outcomes. Nurses experience less stress and gain skills that can be applied to other populations, including non-English speakers, people with traumatic brain injuries, stroke survivors, and patients with dementia. CNOs see reduced burnout among their staff. Health systems can reduce costs and address acute challenges such as readmissions and extended hospital stays related to behavioral issues.
Lived experiences, grounded in the real world
The Summit intentionally elevates the lived experiences of people with IDD, integrating personal stories and real-world insights throughout the program. Story-driven content, design thinking activities, and graphic facilitation will help ensure that solutions remain grounded in the realities faced by individuals and families while fostering an engaging and high-energy convening experience.
Agenda
Day 1 and Day 2 (morning): Building the Foundation
Two expert tracks designed to spur long-term work towards systemic change:
• Track A: Elevating the Preparation of Nursing Students: Finalizing National IDD Competencies
• Track B: Advancing Health System Action for IDD Inclusive Care (in partnership with the Golisano Children’s Alliance and adult health system partners).
Day 2 (afternoon) and Day 3: Taking Action
Together, a larger group of national leaders and international stakeholders, Golisano Fellows, members of the Golisano Children’s Alliance, and others will turn Day 1 insights into shared priorities and commitments, launch Action Networks for ongoing implementation, and share promising solutions to encourage replication.