1. Understand and be able to communicate the quality of life issues people with disabilities may have and their right to health promotion

Disability remains a largely unaddressed public health issue. People with disabilities may experience barriers to the access of health care screenings, interventions, and overall health care. Adults with both disabilities and chronic conditions receive fewer preventive services and are in poorer health than individuals without disabilities who have similar health conditions. People with disabilities need health care programs just like the general population to stay healthy, and be a part of the community. They have the right to tools and information to be able to make healthy choices to prevent illness as well as make decisions about their healthcare. Public health promotion efforts can positively affect the health and wellbeing of people with disabilities.

Preventive screenings and health promotion for people with disabilities could ultimately reduce secondary conditions, reduce national and individual costs, and improve quality of life. Health promotion strategies the people with disabilities can impact the health and well-being of people with disabilities across the lifespan.

Example: An example of health promotion activities for people with disabilities is the Montana Living Well with a Disability Program. The program is designed to help people with a disability strengthen existing skills to live well. The program includes a workshop comprised of eight, two hour sessions that introduce a process for setting and clarifying goals, as well as teaching skills for generating, implementing, and monitoring solutions.

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