Arkansas Disability & Health Program
Project Description:
26.02% of Arkansans have a disability compared with 21.2% nationally. Census projections for 2025 show that Arkansas may have a 45% increase in their elderly (65+) population, becoming the 5th oldest
population in the nation. In Arkansas, the 2010 disability rate for the elderly jumped to 43.79%. Given these trends, the number of persons with disabilities in Arkansas will increase dramatically during the coming years. This growth trend will greatly impact Arkansas communities and statewide health programs because data show that people with disabilities report less physical activity, higher rates of obesity, more smoking, lower income, more barriers to health care due to cost, lower ratings of health, and report higher rates of asthma, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, lung problems, and cardiovascular disease than their non-disabled peers.
Goal 1: Enhance Program Infrastructure and Capacity
Goal 2: Improve Sate Level Surveillance and Monitoring
Goal 3: Increase Awareness of Health-Related Disability Policy Initiatives
Goal 4: Increase Health Promotion Opportunities for People with Disabilities
Goal 5: Improve Access to Health Care for People with Disabilities
Goal 6: Improve Emergency Preparedness among People with Disabilities
Keyword(s):
health, universal design, emergency preparedness
Area of Emphasis
Health-Related Activities
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN, Legislators/Policy Makers, General Public
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Geographic Areas, Geographic Area - Other, Other
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
