Improving healthcare access, quality, and outcomes among people aging with disability
People with disabilities are one of the largest and most underserved subpopulations in the United States. This group experiences higher prevalence, incidence, and burden of disease as well as shorter survival and differences in access to, quality of, and outcomes from the healthcare services that are provided to people with disabilities. Moreover, evidence suggests that individuals with disabilities are statistically more likely to be female, from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds, older, and living in poverty. As the number of adults aging with a physical disability grows, understanding the factors that contribute to healthy and positive aging is becoming an increasingly important area of research.
CHRT is working with UM’s Center for Disability Health and Wellness to establish a national training center on healthy aging for people with physical disabilities. Over the five-year grant period, the center will develop and promote evidence-based interventions and will act as a national resource center for stakeholders, policymakers, and disability organizations.
CHRT will also field a national survey of disability and aging services organizations to identify challenges organizations face, and the innovations they use to solve them.
CHRT staff will participate in UM’s Center for Disability Health and Wellness webinar series to share the work with a broader audience.