Health Care
Accessing health care services can often be a barrier to wellness for people with disabilities. Medical offices might not be accessible or have accessible equipment and many people with disabilities are uninsured or underinsured. We know that not all providers are knowledgeable in caring for a people with disabilities. Asking questions and providing information to your doctor builds trust and leads to better health outcomes. Learn how to become an active participant in your health care through information provided by the Agency for Healthcare Research.
Other Helpful Resources
Aging with a Disability
People with disabilities are living longer with better health care and supports. Older adults with disabilities have unique health care needs–the normal aging process is often complicated by a lifetime of reduced mobility, poorer general health, medications, surgeries, etc. Symptoms such as pain, arthritis, joint problems, and fatigue are not uncommon.
Older adults with disabilities should follow the healthy guidelines recommended for everyone such as receiving regular medical care and adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Report summarizing what health care providers, individuals with disabilities, families and care givers need to know to make sure that individuals with disabilities receive the appropriate medical and preventative health care and other environmental supports they require throughout their lifespan so that they may focus on maximizing their abilities as they age.
Aging and Disability Research
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Aging with a Disability
The Center on Aging with Disabilities addresses the specific challenges that affect people who are aging with physical disabilities, specifically targeting persons with spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, post-polio syndrome, and muscular dystrophy.
The Center on Aging with Developmental Disabilities: Lifespan Health and Function seeks to enhance the health, function, and full community participation of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) across the lifespan and bolster family caregiving capacity through a coordinated set of research, training in evidence-based practice, and dissemination activities.
Travel & Transportation
Many transportation options exist for people with disabilities. Fixed route transit systems, paratransit, commuter systems, airplane and trains are more accessible than ever. Ride sharing, such as Uber and Lyft are available in most communities and drivers with disabilities can rent cars and vans with hand controls and wheelchair lifts. UCP is a champion when it comes to advocating for sufficient and assessible transportation that advances the independence and socialization for people with disabilities. Contact your UCP local affiliate for information about transportation options in your area.
Other Helpful Resources
Travelers may call TSA Cares toll free at 1-(855)-787-2227 prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. TSA Cares will serve as an additional, dedicated resource specifically for passengers with disabilities, medical conditions or other circumstances or their loved ones who want to prepare for the screening process prior to flying.
The Federal 5310 Program provides enhanced transportation options for people with disabilities and senior citizens.
Easter Seal’s Project Action promotes universal access to transportation for people with disabilities under federal law and beyond by partnering with transportation providers, the disability community and others through the provision of training, technical assistance, applied research, outreach and communication.
