Cincinnati, Ohio – UC Health has announced a significant expansion of its Timothy Freeman, MD, Center for Developmental Disabilities, thanks to a substantial infusion of $6 million from federal and state sources. This funding boost aims to enhance the center’s capacity to serve adults with developmental disabilities, providing them with better access to specialized healthcare services.
The Timothy Freeman, MD, Center, which opened its doors in 2022, already caters to over 1,200 patients facing a variety of developmental challenges, including Down syndrome, Angelman syndrome, autism, and cerebral palsy. The expansion is set to open in 2025 and is poised to set new standards in the field of developmental medicine.
“Our goal is to be a welcoming access point that allows adults with developmental disabilities to receive not only the comprehensive services offered at the Freeman Center but also access to the broader adult health system,” said Dr. Lauren Wang, director of the Timothy Freeman, MD, Center for Developmental Disabilities at UC Health. “The expanded facility will position the Freeman Center as a national leader in developmental medicine and interdisciplinary care models.”
Access to high-quality medical care is critically limited for adults with developmental disabilities. A report from the Center of Medicaid Services highlights that individuals with disabilities who receive Medicare and Medicaid benefits have a harder time accessing necessary medical care compared to those without disabilities.
The expansion includes several key enhancements designed to meet the unique needs of its patients. The center will feature accessible Hoyer lifts, essential for safely transferring patients between beds and other areas, an adult changing station, and an onsite laboratory. These additions aim to improve the overall healthcare experience for patients and staff alike.
Moreover, the new facility will offer first-floor parking with upgraded access, expanded primary care and behavioral health rooms, and spaces for community partners and educational programming. One of the standout features will be a sensory room designed to help reduce anxiety among patients, which can be particularly beneficial before or after treatments.
Krissy Vinson, spokesperson for the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion.
“This expansion will allow access to unique medical care for adults with Down syndrome or adults with developmental disabilities.” said Krissy Vinson, spokesperson for the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati, a nonprofit that serves 1600 families in Greater Cincinnati and collaborates with the Freeman Center.
This initiative not only broadens the scope of services at the Freeman Center but also reinforces UC Health’s commitment to inclusive healthcare. By improving access and care, the center aims to serve as a model for other healthcare facilities across the nation, illustrating the importance of specialized care for all community members, regardless of their developmental challenges.