Health Care Initiatives
The Arc of Pennsylvania is leading efforts to ensure that people with disabilities have information, access, and resources needed to navigate safely through public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Our focus is on statewide, systemic change so gaps in health care access do not occur, especially within minority populations and rural communities, which experience significant disparities and inequalities.
“We’re talking about inclusion and people with disabilities,
sometimes we are not included in the conversations.”
“The voices of people with lived experiences must be heard.
We all have the right to share our stories.”
Voices of Those with Lived Experience
A disability-inclusive approach means including the interests, ideas, and needs of people with disabilities every step of the way. The Arc of Pennsylvania listened to many different individuals across Pennsylvania, some who have disabilities, family members, caregivers, health care professionals, and those who work within the field of disability. During the first year of the project, we aimed to discover what challenges people with disabilities face when trying to access health care. Once we better understood the problems, we began looking for solutions. A few of those solutions are in the videos below. You can view all of the videos in this Playlist. Share your story with us by clicking on the “Tell Your Story” box located under the News and Updates section below.
Janet
April
Ernie
Jeffrey
Kelly
Theo
Brian
Jenny
Sharon
Marjorie
News and Updates
- 2025 Disability Health Action Summit Resources – click here for details
- CDC Names the Initiative as a Novel and Emerging Practice: click here to read the report – click here to read the press release
- Public Health Management Corporation review of the project – click here to read the report
- Social Innovations Journal article published in 2023 – click here to read the article
- Project Infographic – click here
Background
People with disabilities have always experienced health disparities, but COVID-19 has shed light on these issues. Our document, What We Know Now, explores past research on the topic.
Findings
We listened and learned about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with disabilities across the Commonwealth; here is what we discovered.
Our Current Work
Statewide efforts include investigating, educating, and reporting on challenges and solutions for accessible information and assistance for Pennsylvania’s diverse disability community during public health emergencies.
Resources
Organizations nationwide are interested in studying similar issues. We have compiled a list of reports that provide recommendations for various states and agencies.
Tell Your Story
In what ways have you or a loved one been impacted by health care inaccessibility? This may include, but is not limited to, issues with health care providers (doctors, nurses, dentists, etc.), insurance companies, or waitlists.
Recommendations
As we continue our work, we will share important strategies and recommendations for emergency preparedness that fully consider equity and accessibility for people with disabilities during public health emergencies.