Information for Partners

Public Health Strategies to Improve the Health of Individuals with Disabilities

public health strategies that may be used to address the following health topics: physical activity, nutrition, healthy weight, tobacco use and exposure, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and oral health.

Learn about these strategies

Disability and Health Programs

There are many programs throughout the United States working to improve the health and wellness of people with disabilities.

Learn about some of this work »

Policies, Reports, and Initiatives

There are many disability-related policies, reports, and initiatives. Examples include the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Institute of Medicine’s “The Future of Disability in America”, and Healthy People 2010/2020.

Learn about policies, reports, and initiatives »

Data and Statistics

Find data and statistics related to disability.

Data and statistics »

Get Involved and Spread the Word!

There are a lot of ways to get involved. Just educating yourself about disabilities or making sure that your organization provides accessible educational materials for people with disabilities can make a difference. Following are some ideas to get started:

• Tell Others About Healthy Living With a Disability
  People with disabilities can lead healthy, active lives.
  Learn about healthy living »
• Distribute Free Educational Materials
  CDC has free brochures, fact sheets, and other materials.
  Get free materials »
• Learn About Disability Inclusion and Do Your Part
  Help ensure that public spaces, buildings, and communication materials (for example, websites and brochures) are accessible to people with disabilities.
  Learn about disability inclusion »
• Watch This Video and Share it With Others
  This video tells the story of Mark and his role as a person helping future health care providers improve their care of people with disabilities. The intent of this video is not to endorse specific activities, but to share one man’s story, experience, and hope.
  Watch “Mark’s Story” »
• Listen to These Podcasts and Share With Others
  •  This podcast features an interview with CDC about a Mortality and Morbidty Weekly Report article, “Physical Activity Among Adults With a Disability”.
    Listen to podcast »
  • This podcast features an interview with CDC’s Disability and Health Branch Chief, Dr. Shannon Griffin-Blake about Disability and Employment in the United States.
    Listen to podcast »
• Plan for Emergencies and Disasters
  It is important that people with disabilities, their family members, first responders, and emergency planners are prepared for emergencies or disasters.
  Learn how to get ready for emergencies »
• Link Your Website With Ours
  For your convenience, we have provided the following graphic and linking description for you to post on your website.

• Participate in Disability Employment Awareness Month
  National Disability Employment Awareness Month is observed every October to increase awareness of the contributions and skills of American workers with disabilities. Various programs carried out throughout the month also highlight the specific employment barriers that still need to be addressed and removed.Learn how to get involved by visiting the U.S. Department of Labor’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month webpage.

Friends of NCBDDD (National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities)

The Friends of NCBDDD is a coalition of government and private sector organizations who work together to enhance the mission and activities of the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities. If you would like to become a partner in this organization and receive the newsletter, email updates, and other information, please visit the Friends of the NCBDDD website.