Simone Seward, DrPH, MPH
Assistant Professor
Upstate Medical University
Norton College of Medicine, Health Equity Research and Programs
With over 15 years of extensive training and diverse practice-based experiences at the federal, state, local level and in academia, Dr. Seward has focused on participatory research to ensure that community health interventions and programs are based on the needs and assets of the community. As an educator, a community health advocate, and researcher, Dr. Seward has developed strategic approaches that center social justice and racial equity. Using community engagement as a vehicle for systemic change, Dr. Seward builds interdisciplinary, collaborative partnerships that are sensitive to diverse perspectives and population needs.

Presenting at the Nexus Summit:

Lightning Talk Description: People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are 2.5 times more likely to experience serious health issues when compared to people without disabilities (Voss et al., 2019). They are also at greater risk for conditions that disproportionately impact the quality of their lives, such as: coronary heart disease, diabetes, and early-onset dementia (Williamson et al., 2016). These disproportionate health disparities, in the context of an overextended healthcare system, demands attention if people with IDD are to experience not just extended but higher…