Design and Implementation of a Course to Meet the Demand for a Skilled Public Health Workforce to Address the Needs of People With Disabilities

Abstract

People with disabilities experience a higher burden of chronic diseases compared to people with no disabilities. To emphasize the importance of addressing health-related disparities affecting this population, multiple objectives of Healthy People 2030 focus on people with disabilities. Accomplishing these objectives requires a culturally competent public health workforce knowledgeable about the health issues and health-related factors affecting people with disabilities and evidence-based public health strategies for effective interventions. To prepare future public health professionals to be a part of efforts of diversity, equity, and inclusion, we developed and implemented a course on disability which was offered as an upper-level elective to students pursuing undergraduate training in public health. We structured the course around selected objectives of Healthy People 2030 and evidence-based strategies mapped to these objectives. The course framework allows for the development of proficiency and competency in these areas through learning about the basic disability-related terms, health issues, health-related behaviors, and social determinants of health affecting people with disabilities. We also aligned the course with the specific accreditation criteria outlined by the Council on Education for Public Health and disability competencies. There is an urgent need for future public health professionals to understand the challenges experienced by people with disabilities and be able to address them. Designing and implementing courses meeting the accreditation criteria and aligned with the national public health objectives could help strengthen the appropriate knowledge and skills of the future public health workforce.