Workshop Description: The Adaptive Medicine Sunflower Pilot: Supporting Patients with Developmental Disabilities During Acute and Mental Health Emergencies explores the unique challenges patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities may face during emergency and acute-care encounters, particularly during episodes of medical or behavioral crisis. The presentation examines both the accommodations these patients may need and the realities of delivering care in a fast-paced emergency department, including communication barriers, sensory overload, atypical presentations, behavioral escalation, safety concerns, and operational constraints.
The session then introduces the Adaptive Medicine Sunflower Pilot as a practical, multidisciplinary model designed to bridge those realities. The program considers every patient-facing touchpoint, incorporating strategies related to early identification, communication, sensory and environmental supports, staff education, behavioral-escalation response, and care coordination. Participants will also hear perspectives from members of the multidisciplinary team, including speech-language pathology and hospital security, illustrating how collaboration across roles can improve the safety, accessibility, and experience of acute and mental health care for patients with developmental disabilities.
Speakers:
Whitney A. Deal, MD, FAAEM, CAS, Emergency Medicine, Assistant Professor, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Lead, Adaptive Medicine Program, MedStar Union Memorial Hospital
Dr. Whitney Deal is an Emergency Medicine physician with more than a decade of clinical experience. She founded the Adaptive Medicine program at two MedStar hospitals in Baltimore City, leading innovative programs that improve acute healthcare delivery for patients with disabilities through clinician education, systems redesign, and disability-inclusive care models. Dr. Deal is an Assistant Professor at Georgetown University School of Medicine, where she teaches medical students and Emergency Medicine residents. She is also a Certified Autism Specialist and is committed to advancing equitable, accessible emergency and acute care for individuals with disabilities.
Laura Glowacki, MS, CCC-SLP, Speech Language Pathologist at Medstar Union Memorial Hospital
Laura Glowacki, MS, CCC-SLP earned her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Loyola College in Maryland in 2008. She began her career in subacute rehabilitation for 14 years before transitioning to acute care at Medstar Union Memorial Hospital. She is the FEES program specialist for Medstar National Rehabilitation Network.
Earl Wynn Jr., Protective Services Officer II, MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital
Earl Wynn Jr. is an energetic and dedicated Protective Services Officer at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital with a genuine passion for helping others. A familiar presence in the Emergency Department, Earl takes an active role in recognizing patients who may benefit from Adaptive Medicine supports and helping connect them with appropriate resources upon arrival. His enthusiasm, compassion, and commitment to patient-centered care make him a valued member of the Adaptive Medicine team.
