Finding good healthcare coverage for your family is key for all parents, but finding caregivers who have the compassion and understanding to work with neurodiverse children is like finding a needle in the haystack.

Achievable Health is positioning itself to be the needle.

Achievable Health was established by a determined group of parents who experienced firsthand how their own children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) were inadequately cared for through a traditional healthcare system, and by healthcare providers who saw the opportunity to support the health and wellbeing needs of patients with I/DD.

We asked Carmen Ibarra, the CEO of Achievable Health, for some insight and perspective on her company.

L.A. Parent: How did Achievable Health get started?

Carmen: Our organization, originally called The Achievable Foundation, has been operating as a nonprofit since 1996, providing a variety of services to address the unmet needs of individuals with I/DD and their families. Over time, it became clear that we could have the biggest impact supporting the healthcare needs of this often-overlooked population. In 2013, we opened our door as the first-of-its-kind community Health Center focused specifically on providing high-quality integrated health care to individuals with I/DD and their families. In 2023, we renamed our organization Achievable Health.

L.A. Parent: Why the focus on children/families with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities?

Carmen: Our passion lies in serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, regardless of their ability to pay. For way too long, our traditional healthcare system has neglected to properly serve children and adults with I/DD.

L.A. Parent: And how is Achievable Health different?

Carmen: Here are some of the key differences at Achievable Health:

Our health center is designed to meet the individualized needs of the patients we serve. This includes fully accessible patient rooms, with adjustable exam tables and weight scales to accommodate patients regardless of their mobility level. Plus, we provide wrap-around services such as assistance with coordinating healthcare services, insurance enrollment, accessing transportation, translational services and more, all tailored specifically to support the healthcare needs of patients with I/DD and their families.

Our medical professionals receive ongoing, on-the-job training that incorporates adaptive equipment and best practices to serve the individual needs of patients with diverse abilities.

And as the first health center of its kind in the country, Achievable Health serves as a model for others to follow to close the health-disparities gap for vulnerable populations so that all healthcare providers serve patients with I/DD with dignity and better support.

L.A. Parent: You recently broke ground on a facility in Culver City. When is it scheduled to open and what are some of its features?

Carmen: When the new site opens in December, it will include 10,000 square feet of clinical space (compared to 3,300 square feet we have currently) and more than double the number of patients served. We will rename the center the Achievable Health Lovelace Center to honor our long-time supporters Anahita and Jim Lovelace who made a very generous lead gift that kick-started our Building Our Future: Achievable Together philanthropic campaign. The Lovelace Center will offer:

• Reserved parking with direct access to the health center entrance from the ground level.
• A large reception and patient intake area, outfitted with plenty of comfortable seating.
• Thirteen patient treatment rooms with specialized equipment for those who require mobility devices.
• Four behavioral health rooms designated for mental healthcare services. 
• Two sensory/quiet rooms to create peaceful environments that provide a calming effect.
• Space for clinician training, care-team meetings and small community educational gatherings.
• Beautiful, serene outdoor spaces adjacent to the health center that patients and families can enjoy before, during and after appointments

L.A. Parent: Where do you see your business in 3-5 years?

Carmen: Achievable Health is raising the bar – our work improves care for individuals with I/DD. In so doing, we improve the way healthcare is delivered for everyone. We hope to continue to inspire other communities to follow our example and be the model for how healthcare should be delivered to all individuals with I/DD across the country. 

For appointments, patients and health center inquiries at Achievable Health, call 424-266-7474 or visit https://achievable.org.