Health & Disability Digest, December 2013

The Center for Disabilities Studies (CDS), Delaware’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. The theme for the evening was, “Educate, Connect, Empower,” and included a reception, remarks from leaders in the community and a video featuring interviews from people that have been impacted through CDS.

Rita Landgraf, an alumna and Secretary of Delaware Health and Social Services, explained the important role that CDS has played throughout the years. “CDS has been a prime mover in helping my department achieve their goals,” she said. “They have played a pivotal role in all areas of government, collaborating with our departments of transportation, housing and education, to make them more inclusive for our citizens.”

Lynn Okagaki, Dean of the College of Education and Human Development, recognized not only the work CDS does for the community but the invaluable opportunities it provides its students. “CDS is a living laboratory, where students from across the University can gain real life experience working with individuals with disabilities.”

But Keith P. Jones, president and CEO of SoulTouchin’ Experiences, may have delivered the most compelling message of the evening, “Our humanity is not defined by our disability. It should not be considered ‘progressive’ to want to live the American dream. It is our right.” “Individuals with disabilities deserve the same future as everyone else. They deserve social justice,” said Jones. “CDS understands this. They have made a difference in the lives of hundreds of people over the years. Not only for people who have come through your doors, but the people who can now become an integral part of the community.”

A new tool on health equity is now available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “A Practitioner's Guide for Advancing Health Equity: Community Strategies for Preventing Chronic Disease,” is a resource for public health practitioners and other key related disciplines such as urban planners, local policy makers, etc. working to advance health equity through community health interventions. While health disparities can be addressed at multiple levels, this guide focuses on policy, systems, and environmental improvements designed to improve the places where people live, learn, work, and play. Sections in the guide include, “Foundational Skills,” “Tobacco-Free Living Strategies,” “Healthy Food and Beverage Strategies” and “Active Living Strategies.” Several strategies are included in each section. Click here to download the full guide or download the guide by section.

The Arc’s HealthMeet initiative is launching a short, internet-based survey for family or staff that support people with an intellectual disability. The survey asks questions about the health status of people with an intellectual disability and can also be used as a checklist to help identify red flags about the health of the person you support. The survey takes about 15 minutes and is free. Take the survey now, and share with friends, families and colleagues who provide support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) recently held its 2013 Conference, ”Promoting Inclusion in an Increasingly Diverse World.” Throughout the conference, several health and disability-related events took place, including the Health and Disability Special Interest Group (SIG) meeting, Health-related concurrent sessions and a Health symposium. Materials from these events can be found on the conference website:

• Health and Disability SIG Meeting: Agenda and Meeting Information
• Concurrent Session: Managed Care and Care Coordination: Ideas from the Field
• Concurrent Session: Low Cost/No Cost Solutions for Health Activities in your UCEDD
• Symposium: Health Care for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities