The Disability Section raises awareness and promotes actions related to public health issues that affect the health, functional, social and environmental aspects of disability that represent people with all types of disabilities (e.g., cognitive, physical, mental, and sensory) across the lifespan.
We promote the health and well-being of people with disabilities through advocacy, education, research, and policy development. Our Section addresses disparities to improve access to healthcare and services, and to promote inclusive public health practices.
To learn more about our history, please check out the "Disability Section: Leading the Way" podcast.
Our Members
Our diverse members work or study at academic institutions, federal and state governmental agencies, nongovernmental organizations, community-based organizations and private institutions. We come from a variety of backgrounds, including social and rehabilitative services, research, medical and health professions, social sciences, public health and health promotion, and policy and advocacy.
Our Work
We direct our efforts on education, policies and actions that guarantee equal opportunities for people with disabilities. Addressing disability within the framework of public health involves ensuring equal access to healthcare, addressing health disparities, and promoting inclusive policies and practices across all facets of society.
Member Benefits
As a member of our Section, you can help grow our legacy in public health practice! We offer many opportunities to get involved, such as joining Section leadership, participating in our mentorship program, ensuring accessibility within APHA products and meetings, collaborating with other organizations and partners, influencing APHA policies and priorities, reviewing abstracts and presenting your research and work at the APHA Annual Meeting.
Join Us!
Your participation is vital to our continued success. Become an active member of the Section when you join APHA. If you are already an APHA member, you can join as your second Section for no additional cost by updating your member profile.
Attend Events
Check out the APHA calendar for upcoming Section events and browse our sessions at the 2024 APHA Annual Meeting and Expo.
Visit on APHA LEAD
Members can visit us on APHA LEAD to learn about upcoming events, join in discussions with other Section members, and access our Section’s resource library.
Follow on Social Media
Find us on X or Facebook to receive up-to-date information on Section happenings as well as professional development opportunities.
Contribute
Support our efforts by making a donation.