Promoting Self-Determination and Mental Health Equity with Richard Chapman

In this episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escudé sits down with Richard Chapman, Assistant Director for Disability Leadership at the Partnership for People with Disabilities in Richmond, Virginia. With a background in mental health counseling and a deep commitment to advancing equity, Richard shares his journey and current work at the intersection of mental health and self-determination for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Richard dives into how increasing self-determination—the ability for individuals to make their own life choices—can lead to better mental health outcomes and an improved quality of life. He discusses his current research, supported by the National Research Consortium on Intellectual Disability and Mental Health, which aims to show a causal relationship between self-determination and reduced psychopathology. Throughout the conversation, Richard highlights the importance of inclusion, cautions against the overuse of polypharmacy, and advocates for restraint-free support systems. He emphasizes that people with IDD not only deserve access to psychotherapy but also thrive when they’re empowered to make their own decisions. Don’t miss this powerful discussion on redefining support systems, challenging outdated models, and building a more equitable future for people with IDD. 👉 Learn more about Richard's work and the resources mentioned by checking the show notes. 🎧 IDD Health Matters is a joint production of Friends for Life and IntellectAbility.