Health & People With Disabilities
Good health is the foundation for a full and independent life—but for millions of people with disabilities, it’s often out of reach. People with disabilities are four times more likely to report poor health and face higher risks for chronic diseases, obesity, mental health conditions, and other health issues. For example, adults with disabilities are 2.3 times more likely to develop diabetes.
Why? Many factors make it harder for people with disabilities to stay healthy, including:
- Limited access to doctors and health professionals who understand their needs
- Trouble communicating with providers and getting information in accessible formats
- Bias and discrimination in medical settings
- A lack of wellness and prevention programs designed for people with disabilities
These barriers have serious consequences. One example: 30% of adults with disabilities did not get their annual flu shot, according to national data. This highlights gaps in preventive care that can put people at higher risk for illness.
The Arc is working to change this. We provide accessible health education and resources to help people with disabilities make informed choices. We also train health professionals to better serve people with disabilities and advocate for policies that improve access to care and wellness programs. Together, we can build a future where everyone has the support and resources they need for a healthy life.
Mental Health First Aid Training
Up to 40% of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have co-occurring mental health conditions, and they are 3 times more likely to experience suicidal ideation. To address this, we’ve partnered with the United Health Foundation to help communities better support people with IDD through training, education, and resources.
By offering Mental Health First Aid training to providers, caregivers, and family members, we’re creating safer, more supportive environments where people with disabilities receive the mental health care they need and deserve. Ten chapters of The Arc nationwide are participating in this project, bringing Mental Health First Aid to their communities and working to reduce stigma around mental health.
Improving Oral Health
For people with IDD, getting quality and inclusive dental care can be a challenge. From difficulty finding the right provider to anxiety about dental visits, many face barriers that keep them from receiving the care they need.
We’re working to improve access through our Dental for All program, funded by the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. This initiative focuses on raising awareness about the specific oral health needs of people with IDD and helping communities find better, more inclusive solutions for care.
By hosting a Dental Office Open House—an event where people with IDD and their families can tour a dental office, explore the equipment, and ask questions in a relaxed setting—you can play a crucial role in reducing fear and building confidence for people with IDD. Is your chapter interested in organizing an open house in your area? Use our step-by-step toolkit to get started.
Explore Related Health Topics
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Strengthening Medicaid
We advocate at the federal level to protect and strengthen Medicaid for people with disabilities and their families.
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Advocating for Health Care
We advocate for a health care system that allows people with IDD to get the care they need to live healthy lives.
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Other Health Resources
Explore health-related tools and resources for people with IDD, families, caregivers.
The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
