Health Care Initiatives
Health Care Initiatives
The Arc of Pennsylvania is underway on several initiatives aimed at addressing health care barriers for people with disabilities in hopes of improving access to care. The COVID-19 pandemic shed a crucial light on the disparities faced by people with disabilities within our healthcare systems. It became apparent that individuals with disabilities often encounter unique challenges in accessing essential healthcare services and resources. These challenges can lead to disparities in health outcomes, exacerbating existing inequalities in our society.
The Arc of PA has provided information in the following ways:
Disability Health Action Network– The Arc of Pennsylvania held the 1st annual Disability Health Action Summit. The event took place on March 6th, 2024 at the Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey hotel. The theme of the day was Advancing Health Equity for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
Lunch and Learn Webinars – During the month of December 2023, we offered a series of Lunch and Learn sessions. The goal of the series was to provide working models of the “how to”, as we focused on actionable items to make Pennsylvania a disability inclusive health care state.
Reports – Statewide efforts include investigating, educating, and reporting on challenges and solutions that Pennsylvania’s disability community and its diverse populations have in accessing appropriate information and help during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Resources – Many organizations nationwide are interested in studying similar issues. We compiled a list of reports that give recommendations through their various states and agencies.
Background
People with disabilities have always experienced health disparities, COVID-19 has shed light on these issues. Our document, “What We Know Now” explores past research on the topic.
Our Current Work
Statewide efforts include investigating, educating, and reporting on challenges and solutions that Pennsylvania’s disability community, and its diverse populations, have in accessing appropriate information and help during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tell Your Story
In what ways have you or a loved one been impacted by healthcare access difficulties? This could include, but is not limited to, problems with any healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, dentist, etc.) or insurance or waitlist difficulties.
Findings
We have been listening and learning about the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on people with disabilities in Pennsylvania. Here is what we know.
Resources
Many organizations nationwide are interested in studying similar issues. We complied a list of reports that give recommendations through their various states and agencies.
Recommendations
As we move through our work, we will share important strategies and recommendations for emergency preparedness that fully considers equity and access for people with disabilities in a pandemic.