A diverse group of people building an inclusive city skyline symbolizing equitable access to health and opportunities.

Unlock Inclusion: How Public Health Leaders Can Better Serve People With Disabilities

Lena Voss in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Practical strategies and insights for building capacity and fostering inclusivity in public health initiatives, ensuring equitable services for individuals with disabilities."

Public health leaders face the critical challenge of serving all populations equitably, including those who are often underserved. Individuals with disabilities (PWD) represent a significant demographic, yet they are frequently overlooked in public health initiatives. This oversight can lead to disparities in health outcomes and reduced access to essential services.

To address this gap, it’s essential for public health professionals to understand the specific needs and challenges faced by people with disabilities. By building capacity and fostering inclusivity, public health programs can become more effective and equitable for everyone.

This article explores actionable strategies for public health leaders to better serve people with disabilities, drawing on research and practical insights. Learn how to cultivate readiness, build capacity, and create effective partnerships that promote inclusivity and improve health outcomes.

Why Inclusion Matters: Understanding the Need for Disability-Inclusive Public Health

A diverse group of people building an inclusive city skyline symbolizing equitable access to health and opportunities.

People with disabilities (PWD) constitute a substantial portion of the population, with approximately one in five Americans having a disability. Despite this significant presence, PWD are often unseen or overlooked in public health considerations. Neglecting this demographic leads to critical gaps in healthcare and support systems, exacerbating existing health disparities.

Compared to the general population, individuals with disabilities experience higher rates of chronic health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. They also face significant barriers in accessing healthcare, including physical obstacles, communication challenges, and attitudinal barriers from healthcare providers. For instance, smoking rates are notably higher among PWD, with 25% reporting current smoking compared to 19% in the general public.

Higher Prevalence of Health Issues: PWD are more likely to experience chronic conditions.
Barriers to Access: Physical, communication, and attitudinal barriers hinder healthcare access.
Increased Risk Factors: Higher rates of smoking and other risk factors contribute to poorer health outcomes.

To address these disparities, it is imperative for public health leaders to proactively include PWD in all aspects of public health planning and implementation. Inclusive public health not only addresses the immediate health needs of PWD but also promotes equity and social inclusion, fostering a healthier and more vibrant community for all.

Moving Forward: Embracing Inclusion for a Healthier Future

The journey towards disability-inclusive public health is an ongoing process that requires sustained effort, collaboration, and a commitment to equity. By embracing the strategies and insights outlined in this article, public health leaders can create more inclusive programs, improve health outcomes for people with disabilities, and build a healthier, more equitable future for all.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1177/1524839918788578, Alternate LINK

Title: Inclusion Wheel: Tool For Building Capacity And Public Health Leaders To Serve People With Disabilities

Subject: Nursing (miscellaneous)

Journal: Health Promotion Practice

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Authors: Adriane K. Griffen, Kristina Risley, Michael Petros, Christina R. Welter

Published: 2018-07-27

Everything You Need To Know

Why is it important for public health leaders to focus on People with Disabilities (PWD)?

People with disabilities (PWD) represent a significant portion of the population, with roughly one in five Americans having a disability. Public health leaders need to recognize this demographic's importance to avoid critical gaps in healthcare and support systems, which would otherwise worsen existing health disparities. Ignoring PWD's needs limits access to essential services and ultimately reduces the overall health of the community.

How can public health leaders create more inclusive programs?

Public health leaders can foster inclusivity through several key actions. They should build capacity within their teams by providing training on disability awareness and inclusive practices. They should also create effective partnerships with disability organizations, community groups, and, most importantly, PWD themselves. This includes ensuring physical accessibility, implementing communication strategies that cater to diverse needs, and addressing any attitudinal barriers that could hinder access to care. These steps will help create more equitable and effective programs.

What health challenges do People with Disabilities (PWD) often face?

The specific health challenges PWD often face include higher rates of chronic conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. They also experience barriers to healthcare access like physical obstacles, communication challenges, and negative attitudes from healthcare providers. PWD also have increased risk factors, such as higher smoking rates compared to the general population. Addressing these specific issues is crucial for improving health outcomes and reducing disparities.

What does it mean to build capacity in the context of disability-inclusive public health?

Building capacity involves several steps. Public health leaders must start by increasing awareness and understanding of disability-related issues among their teams. This can be done through training and educational programs. They should also allocate resources to address accessibility needs and ensure programs are designed to be inclusive. Creating inclusive environments and promoting understanding helps create a more welcoming and supportive environment for PWD.

Why is it important for public health leaders to form partnerships with disability organizations and individuals?

Creating effective partnerships is essential for disability-inclusive public health. Public health leaders should collaborate with disability organizations, advocacy groups, and most importantly, PWD themselves. These partnerships should be built on mutual respect, shared goals, and a commitment to equity. By involving PWD in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health programs, leaders can ensure that services are relevant, effective, and responsive to the needs of the community.