Disability and Health Program

Program Activities

Inclusion of People with Disabilities in Department of Health Activities

1. Expansion of existing Tobacco Control and Prevention Program outreach efforts to include an emphasis on People with Disabilities.
2. Healthy Rhode Islanders 2010 Midterm Review- Progress for People with Disabilities.
3. Emergency planning for people with disabilities.
4. Development of department-wide guidelines for the full participation of people with disabilities in all Department of Health communications and initiatives.
5. Inclusion of disability in demographic reporting requirements for Minority Health Centers.
6. Inclusion of people with disabilities in Rhode Island's Plan for Healthy Eating and Active Living.

Health Promotion/Disease Prevention

1. Live Well RI: a series of eight-week health promotion sessions that emphasize healthy living and physical activity. The series is offered to clients of the Rhode Island Vocational Rehabilitation Program.
2. Summer health promotion/leadership development program for adolescents and young adults with disabilities.
3. Physical Activity and Recreation: Through a contract with Access2Adventure several physical activity and recreation opportunities are available for people with disabilities and their care givers. Access 2 Adventure will also be performing fitness facility assessments and providing technical assistance to facilities to increase access to accessible facilities throughout Rhode Island.

Health Care Transition

The Disability and Health Program in partnership with the Rhode Island Academy of Pediatrics, Academy of Family Medicine, and College of Physicians is working to promote the seamless transition of young adults with disabilities from pediatric to adult health care services. This partnership is a multi-tiered approach involving a comprehensive system needs assessment, family/young adult outreach and education, physician training, and health plan involvement.

Traumatic Brain Injury Service Linkage Program

Through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Disability and Health Program aims to:

1. Identify Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors
2. Link survivors and their families with community-based resources and supports