Episode 57: Inclusive Healthy Communities and the ADA

The lack of participation in physical activity is a serious public health concern in the United States. It is of even greater concern for the almost 56 million people with disabilities who may face additional barriers to being physically active and are, therefore, at increased risk for developing serious health problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Physical activity can provide individuals with disabilities the strength and stamina required to participate in all aspects of life actively and successfully. Efforts to create inclusive, healthy communities will directly affect generations to come and will improve the quality of life for all community members. A truly facilitating community is one in which health promotion activities are as accessible to people with disabilities as they are to people without disabilities. All individuals have the right to conditions and resources that ensure optimal health. However, socioeconomic, structural, programmatic and attitudinal barriers within the community are now widely recognized as major contributors to health disparities experienced by people with disabilities. The promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is to ensure equal opportunity and access for people with disabilities at work and in our communities. In this episode, we will discuss promising practices and strategies for developing inclusive healthy communities, which include transportation policies and environmental changes to ensure streets are safe, accessible and convenient for all users. Speaker: Amy Rauworth, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Lakeshore Foundation & Associate Director of the National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD) More Information and Transcript available at: https://www.adalive.org/episode57