Disability And Health Journal[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Discrimination towards individuals with hearing loss: Findings from the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin.
Park EY, Schultz AA, Dillard LK
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42401533 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Despite legal and social deterrents, disability-based discrimination remains prevalent. Whether adults with hearing loss experience more discrimination is understudied. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether individua...
BACKGROUND: Despite legal and social deterrents, disability-based discrimination remains prevalent. Whether adults with hearing loss experience more discrimination is understudied. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether individuals with hearing loss, compared to those without, faced more day-to-day and lifetime experiences of discrimination. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included participants (n = 2954) from the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin (2008-2013). The determinant of interest was self-reported hearing loss. Outcomes were five self-reported experiences of discrimination capturing day-to-day (treated as less smart or with less respect) and lifetime (treated unfairly at school, in getting a job, or at work) discrimination. We used age-sex-adjusted and fully-adjusted (age, sex, race and ethnicity, educational attainment) multivariable generalized linear models with a binomial distribution and log-link function to test associations between hearing loss and discrimination. Results are presented as prevalence ratios (PR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Among the participants, 30.5% (n = 900) self-reported hearing loss. In age-sex-adjusted and fully-adjusted models, hearing loss was associated with higher prevalence of four experiences of discrimination, being treated (1) as though they were not smart (PR 1.33; 95% CI 1.15, 1.53), (2) with less respect or courtesy (PR 1.31; 95% CI 1.14, 1.50), (3) unfairly at school/training (PR 1.30; 95% CI 1.11, 1.52), and (4) unfairly at work (PR 1.16; 95% CI 1.06, 1.28). Hearing loss was not associated with being treated unfairly in getting a job (PR 1.10; 95% CI 0.95, 1.27). CONCLUSION: Overall, findings suggest individuals with hearing loss experience higher levels of discrimination, underscoring the need for interventions to reduce these discriminatory behaviors.
Co-design and usability evaluation of a pilot module to support health literacy development in young people with cerebral palsy: A consumer-led approach.
Ding J, Cleary SL, Kozelj N … +3 more , Munzel FE, Grimes LM, Morgan PE
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42392939 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Young adults with cerebral palsy (CP) experience challenges navigating adult healthcare systems due to limited access to age-appropriate, CP-specific information. Health literacy is a key enabler of autonomy...
BACKGROUND: Young adults with cerebral palsy (CP) experience challenges navigating adult healthcare systems due to limited access to age-appropriate, CP-specific information. Health literacy is a key enabler of autonomy and participation, yet few customised resources have been co-designed with this population. OBJECTIVE: To co-design and pilot an online health literacy education module 'Your health' with young adults with CP, their parents/carers, and healthcare professionals, and assess initial usability. METHODS: A three-stage sequential mixed methods design within an integrated knowledge translation framework was used. Stage 1 involved focus groups and interviews with young adults with CP (n = 8) and healthcare professionals (n = 14) to explore health information needs. Stage 2 involved iterative module co-design across 13 Working Group meetings with young adults with CP, parents/carers, and clinicians. Stage 3 involved usability testing with young adults with CP (n = 11) using a modified System Usability Scale (SUS) and optional qualitative feedback. Interview and feedback data were thematically analysed to identify key insights and usability considerations. RESULTS: Stage 1 findings highlighted unmet needs for credible, accessible, and individualised health information. The co-designed module addressed these needs via lived experience content, accessible design features, and user-driven navigation. Usability testing yielded a mean SUS score of 80.2 (range 57.5-100), indicating strong usability. Participants found the module engaging, clear, and relevant, with minor suggestions for improvement. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the feasibility and value of embedding co-design in health literacy resource development, providing a scalable model to support autonomy and healthcare participation among young adults with CP.
Navigating legal guardianship: To ensure preventive breast health care for women with intellectual disability.
Arving C, Lange M, Adolfsson P
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42379896 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Women with intellectual disability experience a delay in breast cancer detection compared to the general female population. Delayed detection may be attributed to a lack of participation in breast health init...
BACKGROUND: Women with intellectual disability experience a delay in breast cancer detection compared to the general female population. Delayed detection may be attributed to a lack of participation in breast health initiatives, including population-based screening programs. Most people with intellectual disability require assistance from family members or legal guardians to comprehend information and make informed decisions. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to explore the experiences of legal guardians regarding their clients' (women with intellectual disability) participation with breast health care. METHOD: A cross-sectional descriptive study using mixed methods to analyze data from a web-based study-specific questionnaire completed by 35 legal guardians. RESULTS: Views varied regarding the responsibility of the legal guardian. Considering the client's autonomy, the legal guardian chose to allow the client to opt out of participating in the mammography screening if they did not wish to do so. To facilitate greater participation in breast health care, easily comprehensible materials, incorporating both text and pictures, ought to be distributed to women with intellectual disability and their support networks. CONCLUSION: Dissemination of information regarding breast health awareness should extend to women with intellectual disability, their legal guardians, residential staff and management, and relevant municipal officials. Further studies are needed to confirm or challenge our results.
Existing protocols for sedation, pain management, and communication techniques for patients with disabilities in emergency medical services: A descriptive study.
Butler EP, Williams KA
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42362451 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The challenges that people with disabilities experience within emergency settings are complex. Disruptions in routine, painful procedures, and confusion can be agitating. This makes the need for adequate seda...
BACKGROUND: The challenges that people with disabilities experience within emergency settings are complex. Disruptions in routine, painful procedures, and confusion can be agitating. This makes the need for adequate sedation, pain management, and communication paramount. Anatomical differences, physiological differences, and communication barriers can complicate these goals. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this paper is to quantify the prevalence of sedation, pain management, and communication protocols for clinicians caring for patients with disabilities among statewide EMS protocols. METHODS: Existing statewide protocols were identified and analyzed with descriptive statistics for the presence or absence of disability protocols and behavioral health protocols as defined by the researchers using a standardized approach. Within each protocol, standing orders regarding both medication guidance and behavioral guidance were identified. RESULTS: 30 states were identified to have statewide protocols, and it was found that only 26.7% (8/30) of which had existing protocols for patients with disabilities. Within identified disability protocols, sedation and/or pain management was addressed 75.0% (6/8) of the time, and communication techniques were addressed 75.0% (6/8) of the time. 6.7% (2/30) of states provided the option for emergency care plans for medically complex patients or patients with disabilities. CONCLUSIONS: The authors urge state medical directors to expand protocols for patients with disabilities. More research should be conducted to learn about patient outcomes, patient satisfaction, and clinicians' confidence with appropriate protocols and education versus without such measures. These measures could lead to improved patient outcomes and clinician comfort, addressing a major health disparity.
Sociodemographic and clinical predictors of resilience in individuals with osteogenesis imperfecta.
Hawkins M, Strouphauer E, McCarty R … +15 more , Marks N, Li D, Colombo GM, Sadek S, Nguyen D, Members of the BBDC, Murali CN, Robinson ME, Gomez J, Fynan M, Ayers K, Lee B, Sutton VR, Wiese AD, Storch EA
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42336744 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a heritable connective tissue disorder that presents significant physical and psychosocial challenges throughout life. In chronic conditions that may result in physical disabil...
BACKGROUND: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a heritable connective tissue disorder that presents significant physical and psychosocial challenges throughout life. In chronic conditions that may result in physical disability such as OI, resilience and the ability to adapt in the face of adversity may influence how individuals experience and manage these challenges. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify sociodemographic and clinical predictors of resilience among adults with OI. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 271 English-speaking adults in the United States with a self-reported OI diagnosis. Participants completed the Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS), demographic questionnaires, and questionnaires on clinical experiences, pain, and psychosocial factors. RESULTS: Response trends demonstrated medium (45%) to high (42%) levels of resilient coping. Sociodemographic Factors: Resilience was lower among those with some postsecondary education but no four-year degree, and higher resilience was associated with not having family history of OI. Clinical Factors: Increased resilience was linked to better self-rated physical health, exercise for pain management, use of assistive mobility devices, higher lifetime number of fractures and surgeries, and lack of acute pain. In a multivariate regression, use of exercise, better perceived physical health, and episodes of acute pain lasting 6 months or less emerged as significant independent predictors of resilient coping. CONCLUSION: Resilience in OI is influenced by diverse psychosocial, educational, and behavioral factors. These findings highlight the complexity of resilience in chronic conditions and disability and identify factors that may be relevant for future intervention.
Seeing but not worrying: Family caregivers acknowledge ocular conditions yet overlook ophthalmic care for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Pu C, Chou YC, Hou CH
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42336743 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Caregiver underrecognition of ocular conditions represents a modifiable barrier to ophthalmologic care in people with intellectual disabilities. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether non-clinically verified caregiv...
BACKGROUND: Caregiver underrecognition of ocular conditions represents a modifiable barrier to ophthalmologic care in people with intellectual disabilities. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether non-clinically verified caregiver-reported ocular conditions are associated with a reduction in ophthalmologic care utilization among individuals with intellectual disabilities. METHODS: A stratified random sample of 657 primary caregivers of individuals with intellectual disabilities was recruited from urban and rural regions in Taiwan. Data were collected through structured, in-person interviews. Logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between non-clinically verified caregiver-reported ocular conditions, concerns regarding vision health, and the likelihood of never seeking ophthalmologic care. Marginal effects by age for individuals with intellectual disabilities were estimated to assess interaction effects. RESULTS: Among caregivers who acknowledged the presence of ocular conditions in individuals with intellectual disabilities, a substantial proportion reported low concern. Among those who never sought ophthalmologic care, 51.7% were "not concerned" about their care recipient's vision health, compared with 29.0% among those who made regular ophthalmologic visits; overall, caregiver concern differed significantly by ophthalmologic care utilization (P < .001). Caregiver reports of non-clinically verified ocular conditions were associated with a significant increase in the probability of never seeking ophthalmologic care (15.1 and 23.7 percentage points at the ages of 30 and 50, respectively, for individuals with intellectual disabilities; P = .009 and P < .001). Compared with caregivers who expressed concern, those who did not express concern were significantly less likely to seek ophthalmologic care (a difference of 20.3-22.3 percentage points, P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Non-clinically verified caregiver-reported ocular conditions and low caregiver concern are associated with a significant reduction in ophthalmologic care utilization among individuals with intellectual disabilities. These findings underscore the importance of increasing caregiver awareness of the value of routine eye care, even when the nature or severity of an ocular condition is uncertain, and of addressing barriers to timely ophthalmologic assessments in this underserved population.
Moving together: The role of family co-participation in promoting physical activity among adults with autism.
Nunez-Gaunaurd A, Tovin MM, Kermah D … +2 more , Beech BM, Bruce MA
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42309941 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience high rates of physical inactivity and obesity, contributing to elevated cardiometabolic risk. Although social support influences health behaviors, the rol...
BACKGROUND: Adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience high rates of physical inactivity and obesity, contributing to elevated cardiometabolic risk. Although social support influences health behaviors, the role of co-participation in physical activity (PA) with family and friends remains underexamined among adults with ASD, particularly within Hispanic/Latino populations. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to examine differences in family- and friend-based co-participation in PA between physically active and inactive adults with ASD, and (2) to examine the association between co-participation and objectively measured PA levels. METHODS: This cross-sectional analysis used pooled baseline data from two community-based studies. Adults with ASD completed self-report measures of family- and friend-based co-participation in physical activity. PA was objectively assessed using wearables (steps/day), and anthropometric measures were obtained. RESULTS: The final sample included 44 adults with ASD (mean age = 26 years; 73% male), with 52% identifying as Hispanic/Latino. Overall, 70% had an unhealthy body mass index, 75% had a high-risk waist-to-height ratio, and 55% accumulated <7000 steps/day. Participants who reported family-based co-participation at least "a few times," particularly swimming and unstructured activities, had greater odds of achieving ≥7000 steps/day (OR = 6.86; 95% CI: 1.26-41.1). Friend based co-participation in PA was not significantly associated with PA outcomes CONCLUSION: Family-based co-participation is a key facilitator of PA among adults with ASD, underscoring the need for. family-centered, culturally responsive interventions that address social and contextual determinants of health.
Navigating in silence: A mixed methods study exploring the experiences of patients with hearing loss in Danish hospitals.
Tolstrup LK, Hellesøe CB, Möller S … +1 more , Larsen MK
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42309940 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Research globally shows that individuals with hearing loss (HL) often experience dissatisfaction with healthcare due to poor communication, limited interpreter access, and insufficient provider training. Addi...
BACKGROUND: Research globally shows that individuals with hearing loss (HL) often experience dissatisfaction with healthcare due to poor communication, limited interpreter access, and insufficient provider training. Additionally, stigma, cultural attitudes, and accessibility barriers compromise care. However, research on this patient population in a Danish context remains scarce. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to explore and describe the experiences of patients with HL during their interactions with healthcare professionals in Danish Hospitals. METHODS: A cross-sectional mixed-method design with a convergent parallel approach was used to collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative questionnaire responses from individuals with HL. RESULTS: 311 respondents with HL responded to the questionnaire. 93% were deaf or had a profound/severe HL. Approximately half were dissatisfied with how they could contact the hospital and did not feel included in conversations. About one-third reported insufficient information about care and treatment, while approximately one fourth felt excluded from decision-making. A similar number reported that responses were not provided with compassion, and felt they were not treated with respect. Three themes were identified in the qualitative analysis: 1) Patient experiences of communication and access to hospital care, 2) The impact of communication challenges and healthcare professionals' attitudes on the quality of meetings, and 3) Experiencing inequality and exclusion in healthcare due to communication barriers and attitudes towards patients with HL. CONCLUSION: This study highlights significant communication barriers faced by patients with HL in Denmark, emphasizing the urgent need for improved hospital access, inclusion of interpreter and healthcare staff training to ensure equitable, patient-centered care for people with HL.
Power wheelchair vendors: Declines in rural market activity.
Skinner RJ, Gupta A, Keohane LM
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42303535 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Power wheelchair access and maintenance are important for older adults with mobility limitations. Traditional Medicare regulates wheelchair vendors through a competitive bidding program and prior authorizatio...
BACKGROUND: Power wheelchair access and maintenance are important for older adults with mobility limitations. Traditional Medicare regulates wheelchair vendors through a competitive bidding program and prior authorization requirements potentially affecting market activity. OBJECTIVES: This observational study assesses changes in power wheelchair sales, rentals, and repairs by rurality over time. METHODS: We used aggregated traditional Medicare power wheelchair claims from 2015 through 2022 to calculate annual vendor counts and per-vendor rates of sales, rentals, repairs, and accessory sales, comparing trends between rural and urban vendors. RESULTS: The number of traditional Medicare wheelchair vendors shrank from over 1292 (918 urban; 374 rural) to 986 (804 urban; 182 rural) between 2015 and 2022. The number of rentals per vendor decreased among urban vendors (322 in 2015 to 178 in 2022) but stayed more consistent among rural vendors (69 in 2015 to 66 in 2022). In contrast, sales per vendor increased among urban vendors (8.7 in 2015 to 16.7 in 2022) and remained low among rural vendors (0.6 in 2015 to 1.4 in 2022). The disparity in repairs performed per wheelchair sale or rental among urban and rural wheelchair vendors grew between 2015 (0.32 for urban; 0.31 for rural) and 2022 (0.44 for urban; 0.18 for rural). CONCLUSIONS: Between 2015 and 2022, traditional Medicare experienced changes in power wheelchair vendor participation and patterns of sales, rentals, and repairs, with more pronounced declines in repair activity among rural vendors. Policies regulating the power wheelchair market should consider wheelchair access and maintenance in rural areas.
Pregnancy occurrence, intendedness, and outcomes among U.S. females with and without disability, 2011-2019.
Stevens JD, Valentine A, Li FS … +6 more , Hoyle J, Zionskowski K, Harris JA, Akobirshoev I, Mitra M, Horner-Johnson W
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42285839 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Females with disability have higher risk for unintended pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes compared to those without disability. Yet, prior research has not considered within-group and between-group dif...
BACKGROUND: Females with disability have higher risk for unintended pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes compared to those without disability. Yet, prior research has not considered within-group and between-group differences by disability status and age. OBJECTIVES: Assess nationally representative patterns and compare prevalence of pregnancy occurrence, intendedness, and outcomes across disability status and age among females aged 15-44. METHODS: We analyzed pooled National Survey of Family Growth (2011-2019) data using designed-based F-tests to provide nationally representative estimates and modified Poisson regression to compare differences across disability and age-group of pregnancy occurrence, intendedness, and outcomes. RESULTS: Among females aged 15-44, females with (59.9%) and without (59.6%) disability were equally as likely to become pregnant in the last five years, but our bivariate and multivariate analyses showed females with disability reported higher prevalence of unintended pregnancy, non-live births, and miscarriage. These patterns persisted for females aged 26-44. Among females aged 15-25, females with disability had higher prevalence of non-live births and miscarriage. However, compared to females with disability aged 26-44, females with disability aged 15-25 had higher prevalence of unintended pregnancy and miscarriage but lower prevalence of stillbirth. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings add to the literature on pregnancy occurrence, intendedness, and outcomes, providing insights to differences in the reproductive life course through our disability and age stratified analyses. These findings can help direct public health, clinical practice, and educational interventions to address higher rates of unintended pregnancy and non-live births, particularly miscarriage, for females with disability with consideration for differences across the age spectrum.
Patterns of household behavior around a family member's disability onset.
Kim J, Han E
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42259672 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Households including a member with disabilities carry greater caregiving burdens than those without, increasing the likelihood of economic and emotional imbalances. OBJECTIVES: Using Korea Welfare Panel Study...
BACKGROUND: Households including a member with disabilities carry greater caregiving burdens than those without, increasing the likelihood of economic and emotional imbalances. OBJECTIVES: Using Korea Welfare Panel Study (KOWEPS) waves 1-19, this study compares changes in household income and expenditures and depression and family-life satisfaction among members without disabilities before and after disability onset. METHODS: We set the onset year as 0 and analyzed the 3-year windows before and after onset. Income and expenditures were modeled using multivariable linear regression with individual and time fixed effects; depression and family-life satisfaction with multivariable logistic regression with random effects. RESULTS: Income and expenditure descriptively showed a declining pattern after onset. Income was lower three and two years before onset by 16.5% and 15.4%, respectively, while total expenditure was marginally lower three years before onset by 14.2%. Food expenditure showed a gradual increasing trend and was 12.1% higher three years after onset. Healthcare expenditure spiked one year before onset and then declined and was 28.7% lower one year before onset. Depression modestly increased and family-life dissatisfaction slightly declined, but neither psychological outcome was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Depression and family-life satisfaction among household members without disabilities did not change significantly, whereas household income and expenditure showed some statistically significant changes. Emotional support within family could mitigate psychological impacts, but tailored support is needed to reduce perceived caregiving burden.
Illness experiences of people with intellectual disabilities facing cancer: A qualitative study.
Soffer M, Cohen M, Hijazi A … +1 more , Arbel-Alon S
Disabil Health J · 2026 May · PMID 42236359 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: People with intellectual disabilities (PWID) experience substantial disparities across the cancer care continuum, including delayed diagnosis, communication barriers, and unequal access to information and sup...
BACKGROUND: People with intellectual disabilities (PWID) experience substantial disparities across the cancer care continuum, including delayed diagnosis, communication barriers, and unequal access to information and support. Little is known about the illness experiences of PWID facing cancer. OBJECTIVES: This study explored the illness experience of PWID and cancer and elicited their illness narratives, with particular attention to their perceptions of cancer, communication about the disease, and the support they received from healthcare professionals, residential staff, and family. METHODS: Semistructured, linguistically adapted interviews were conducted with 18 PWID diagnosed with cancer. Reflexive thematic analysis was applied. Interviews were adapted to remove communicative barriers and structured at a pace that minimized anxiety. RESULTS: Four themes emerged: (a) perceptions of cancer-participants seldom used the word "cancer," describing illness through bodily sensations, treatments, or vague terms; (b) emotional responses to cancer-dominated by fear of death, yet participants reported few opportunities to express or discuss these emotions; (c) Impact of cancer on life after treatment -participants reported changes in body, functioning, and dependence, with varied life disruptions; and (d) social reactions-support from family and others was meaningful, but concealment of the illness was often encouraged, reinforcing silence and isolation. CONCLUSIONS: Across these accounts, a lack of accessible information and limited emotional dialogue shaped experiences of loneliness and silence. The findings underscore the need for cancer care practices that prioritize accessible communication, emotional engagement, and inclusion of PWID as active participants in their care.
Residential setting and individual predictors of emergency room use in adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A secondary analysis of the national core indicators.
Johnson EJ, Pallerla H, Suhas P … +1 more , Regan S
Disabil Health J · 2026 May · PMID 42209385 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: As support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have increasingly moved out of institutions and into the community, adults with IDD receiving state Developmental Dis...
BACKGROUND: As support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have increasingly moved out of institutions and into the community, adults with IDD receiving state Developmental Disability system services live in different residential settings. This includes living independently, in a family member's home, a foster care/host home, group living settings, intermediate care facilities, or other institutional type settings. OBJECTIVE: This study's objective is to identify difference in emergency room visits among individuals with IDD receiving state services living in varied residential settings and additional individual characteristics contributing to these differences. METHODS: Data from the 2021-2022 National Core Indicators (NCI) In Person Survey (IPS) was analyzed using a series of logistic regressions. The survey was administered by trained interviewers to a random sample of adults receiving services in participating states. Responses are given through a combination of self-report and by-proxy. RESULTS: The likelihood of having an ER visit varied based on residential setting, with individuals living in their own/family home being less likely to have an ER visit (p < 0.001) compared to individuals living in a group residential setting (3-15 individuals) (21.8% vs 30.4%, p < 0.05). Age, overall health status, length of time at current residence, and certain medical and physical health conditions were additionally found to have a significant association with ER use. CONCLUSION: An individual's residential setting and other complex individual level factors likely contribute to the likelihood of ER use. Future policy efforts and research should focus on the community-based factors leading to increased likelihood of requiring emergency care of individuals with IDD to inform preventive practices.
Identifying implicit bias in LLM-based chat AI toward people with intellectual disabilities.
Coffey KV, Krahn GL, Hanley JP … +1 more , Neely JE
Disabil Health J · 2026 May · PMID 42209384 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: This work investigates the presence of implicit bias in Large Language Model (LLM)-based chat AI models directed toward people with intellectual disabilities (ID). OBJECTIVE: The study aims to identify and me...
BACKGROUND: This work investigates the presence of implicit bias in Large Language Model (LLM)-based chat AI models directed toward people with intellectual disabilities (ID). OBJECTIVE: The study aims to identify and measure representational differences related to people with ID and examine them to identify implicit biases inherent in AI chat generation technologies. METHODS: Utilizing the GPT-4-Turbo model, we requested story-generation based on 10 prompt stems with and without descriptors for ID. This process was repeated using four other LLMs (OpenAI GPT-4o, Meta Llama-3-3-70B-Instruct, Anthropic Claude-3-5-Sonnet, and Mistral-Large-2411). The resulting 25,000 computer-generated stories were analyzed using a separate GPT-4-Turbo model instance to detect differences in how people are represented related to themes of bias described in previous literature. RESULTS: Our findings reveal differences in how people are represented between story datasets with and without ID descriptors. These differences go beyond established characteristics of ID and imply the presence of mostly negative implicit biases. Identified differences related to considering people with ID as younger, with themes of paternalism and infantilization; depicting them as more inspirational and symbolic; as needing help more often, being dependent, and being saved; and having a negative perception of them and more hesitation to include them. CONCLUSIONS: These implicit biases are considered within the context of past discrimination towards people with ID and highlight the need for diligence against implicit bias towards people with ID in AI development. This research underscores the importance of assessing and mitigating implicit bias in decision-making technologies to prevent future societal harm.
Advancing disability health equity across the lifespan.
McKee MM, Mitra M
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jul · PMID 42191463 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Barriers and facilitators of sexual and reproductive health service utilization among young people with disabilities: A scoping review.
Abbasi SA, Batool S, Nisa S … +2 more , Lassi ZS, Meherali S
Disabil Health J · 2026 May · PMID 42161786 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Young people with disabilities (YPWDs), including those with physical and sensory impairments, face heightened risks of sexual, physical, and emotional violence. Despite having similar sexual and reproductive...
BACKGROUND: Young people with disabilities (YPWDs), including those with physical and sensory impairments, face heightened risks of sexual, physical, and emotional violence. Despite having similar sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs and rights as their non-disabled peers, YPWDs encounter multiple barriers to accessing SRH information and services. OBJECTIVE: To map and synthesize existing global evidence on SRH needs, barriers, and facilitators to SRH service utilization among YPWDs aged 10-24 years with physical and sensory disabilities. METHODS: A comprehensive search of multiple databases identified 2010 studies. After title, abstract, and full-text screening, 26 studies met inclusion criteria. Both quantitative and qualitative studies were reviewed. Two independent reviewers conducted screening and data extraction using a structured template to capture study characteristics, populations, SRH needs, and reported barriers or facilitators. The review followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines, and the protocol was registered with the Open Science Framework (10.17605/OSF.IO/WJEPH). RESULTS: The review identified physical inaccessibility of healthcare facilities, lack of disability-friendly communication, financial barriers, and pervasive social stigma and discrimination as major obstacles to SRH service use. Gender inequality, cultural taboos, and experiences of sexual violence further restricted access. Facilitators included supportive family or caregiver networks, strong religious or community ties, lower disability severity, and the availability of affordable, disability-adapted SRH services and digital information platforms. CONCLUSIONS: Improving SRH outcomes for YPWDs requires more than infrastructural changes, it demands addressing societal stigma, enhancing SRH education, and enforcing inclusive policies that prevent discrimination and violence.
Response to Letter to editor.
Dev A, Horner-Johnson W, Schaefer A … +3 more , Stukel TA, Goodman DC, Leyenaar JK
Disabil Health J · 2026 May · PMID 42142965 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Response to caution in interpreting the role of physical activity in weight loss maintenance among people with physical disabilities.
Clina JG, Sayer RD, Friedman JE … +6 more , Chui TK, Gorczyca AM, Das SK, Fowler LA, Roberts SB, Hill JO
Disabil Health J · 2026 May · PMID 42128697 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Caution in interpreting the role of physical activity in weight loss maintenance among people with physical disabilities.
Jannasz I, Szarpak L, Pruc M
Disabil Health J · 2026 May · PMID 42128696 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Use of emergency medical services by adults with developmental disabilities receiving integrated or usual care.
Gilmore D, Johnson E, Wang L … +6 more , Keeton C, Rivendale A, Havercamp SM, Weaver LL, Adams I, Hand BN
Disabil Health J · 2026 May · PMID 42115043 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Adults with developmental disabilities (DD) frequently utilize the emergency department (ED) and are hospitalized for psychiatric emergencies. Community healthcare models like integrated care where primary ca...
BACKGROUND: Adults with developmental disabilities (DD) frequently utilize the emergency department (ED) and are hospitalized for psychiatric emergencies. Community healthcare models like integrated care where primary care and mental health services are co-located may better meet the needs of adults with DD and reduce use of emergency services. OBJECTIVE: To determine odds of all-cause, psychiatric, and non-psychiatric ED use and hospitalization among adults with DD receiving integrated care relative to usual care. METHODS: We analyzed inpatient and outpatient encounters in the electronic health record from 2022 to 2023 from an integrated and usual care clinic. Adults with DD were identified using ICD-10 codes, and HCUP Clinical Classification Software was used to identify psychiatric hospitalizations and psychiatric ED visits. Logistic regression was used to determine odds of study outcomes among patients receiving integrated versus usual care, controlling for demographic characteristics. RESULTS: N = 6706 adults with DD were included. Relative to usual care, individuals receiving integrated care had 50% lower odds of all-cause ED use (OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.44 - 0.57), and 38% lower odds of all-cause hospitalization (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.52 - 0.74). Odds of psychiatric ED use and hospitalization were 72% (OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.17 - 0.44) and 65% (OR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.19 - 0.65) lower for adults with DD receiving integrated care. CONCLUSIONS: Integrated care was associated with lower odds of ED use and hospitalization for adults with DD and may be a promising model of service delivery. Future longitudinal studies are needed to better understand the effect of integrated care on use of emergency services for this population.
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