Mission

To improve the health and healthcare of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) throughout the lifespan through research, education, and advocacy.

About Us

The Developmental Disabilities Practice-Based Research Network (DD-PBRN) was established in 2013 with support from the Cleveland Clinic, the Practice-Based Research Network Shared Resource in the Department of Family Medicine at Case Western Reserve University, and the Cleveland Clinical and Translational Science Collaborative (CTSC). 
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An emerging evidence base is documenting disparities in the health care of persons with developmental disabilities (DD), including deficits in preventive health services, chronic disease care, emergency care, and in-patient care. While there are over 100 PBRNs registered with the Agency on Health Care Research and Policy (AHRQ), prior to our DD-PBRN, none were devoted to improving the care of persons with DD. A review of 2035 citations in the AHRQ Bibliographic library identified only 18 citations in any way related to DD, of which only 4 citations reflected actual practice-based research in DD. 

PBRNs vary greatly in their composition and in the roles that community and patient advisors play in their network. Because of the unique health and service needs and service delivery systems relevant to persons with DD, our membership represents diverse stakeholders including self-advocates, family members, clinicians, disability service providers, researchers, and state-level policymakers.  We conduct our own research and support the research of others through consultation and participation.
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The DD-PBRN provides a venue whereby improved models of healthcare can be tested in real-world practice. ​

Meetings 

Location
Lakewood Family Health Center
​Cleveland Clinic 
14601 Detroit Avenue
Lakewood, Ohio 44107
2nd Floor Conference Room

​Upcoming Meeting Dates
​​Mondays 8:30-10:30 AM
(10:30-11:30 AM Individual Consultations)
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January 8, 2024
March 4, 2024
May 13, 2024
July OFF
September 9, 2024
November 11, 2024

For more information, contact:
Lin M. Peters, MPH, petersl23[at]ccf.org​​

Affiliations