Improving undergraduate medical training on intellectual and developmental disabilities through clinical skills sessions

Implication Statement At the University of Toronto, in collaboration with Special Olympics Ontario (SOO), we integrated individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) into first-year clinical skills sessions through the existing volunteer patient program. Students reported increased confidence and communication skills, while volunteers felt respected and empowered. This initiative addresses a critical training gap by offering early, authentic exposure to a population often marginalized in healthcare. Other institutions can adopt this model to foster more well-rounded, inclusive medical trainees. Embedding individuals with IDD into clinical education improves learner preparedness and promotes equity, empathy, and patient-centered care across diverse healthcare settings.