Disability and Health

Man in wheelchair

Promoting Inclusive Disability Practices

APHA brings national attention to the health equity imperative to address systemic barriers for people with disabilities. Up to 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. has a disability, which is defined by the CDC as any condition of the body or mind that makes it more difficult to do certain activities and interact with the world around you. Join us in promoting inclusive disability programs and practices that support everyone’s ability to thrive by checking out our featured resources below.

Learn about APHA's Disability Member Section

Latest Updates

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Intellectual and Development Disabilities: A Plain-Language Introduction

In June 2025 APHA released a new version of the primer on intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD): “Getting People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities What They Need, A Plain-Language Introduction for Public Health Workers.”

This introduction helps public health workers better understand how to get people with IDD what they need and includes 4 parts, to open the document in your browser click here.

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Addressing Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities as a Health Equity Imperative: A Primer for Public Health Professionals

Intellectual and Development Disabilities Primer

In June 2024, APHA released a new resource, “Addressing Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities as a Health Equity Imperative: A Primer for Public Health Professionals.”

This primer helps public health professionals understand more about people with IDD, specific challenges and barriers to achieving health equity for this community, and promising strategies for creating a more inclusive and accessible public health system for all.

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Why is disability a health equity issue?

Woman with intellectual and developmental disabilities with a laptop in a classroom, smiling and talkingAdults with disabilities are more likely to have health problems like heart disease and diabetes than adults without disabilities. They also have more barriers to health care: they are less likely to have a usual health care provider, more likely to have unmet health care needs due to cost and are less likely to get yearly check-ups.

When individuals with disabilities do not receive the support they need, they face significant obstacles to health-promoting services. Although the Americans with Disabilities Act established in 1990 that is it illegal to discriminate against a person with a disability, many systems that promote health are still not accessible for many with disabilities. These systems, like public transportation, quality education and housing, and quality medical care are crucial to the public health system that supports each person’s right to live and thrive.

Intellectual and Development Disabilities

Intellectual disabilities are limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptative behavior. Developmental disabilities result in functional limitations related to major life activities, such as communication, mobility and/or learning.

Both intellectual and developmental disabilities occur before age 22.

Our Work on Intellectual and Developmental Disability

APHA is proud to leverage our extensive network of public health professionals to center the experiences of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in broader conversations and strategies to advance health equity for all.

Our work is supported in part by the Special Olympics Systems Change for Inclusive Health subgrant, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Anniversary of the ADA:

Enacted on July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act has been a beacon of hope and a testament to our collective commitment to creating a society where every individual, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to thrive.

As APHA recognizes this important day, we reflect on the progress we have made and the work that still lies ahead. Inclusion and accessibility are not just legal requirements—they are moral imperatives. Every day, we have the chance to contribute to a culture of respect, understanding and support for people of all abilities.

Contact Us

If you would like to learn more about APHA’s work advancing health equity for people with disabilities, please contact our Center for Public Health Policy at [email protected]

Additional Resources

It is the policy of APHA to hold meetings, conferences and professional gatherings where no attendee feels excluded due to disabilities, allergies or personal preferences. APHA complies with the American with Disabilities Act and makes all reasonable arrangements to ensure comfortable and accessible events for all. See APHA’s Accessibility Policy for more detail.

Members of APHA's Disability Section are involved with policies and actions focusing on the equalization of opportunities for people with disabilities. These include the promotion of equity in health care and health outcomes, and social change to promote socioeconomic integration.

Check out these informative resources from our partners

  • Check out this free, three-module training series for healthcare providers on various life transitions, including a specific module on Older Adulthood and Functional Changes. Click HERE to access this free training, titled “Life Transition Series: Transition 3 Older Adulthood and Functional Changes” (free login is required to access the training) | Special Olympics