Disability And Health Journal[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Federal rental assistance and housing outcomes among disability households: Cost burden relief without health or housing quality gains.
Trivedi K, Brucker DL
Disabil Health J · 2026 May · PMID 42108128 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Housing is a key social determinant of health, particularly for people with disabilities who face compounded challenges related to affordability, accessibility, and housing quality. Despite the aims of federa...
BACKGROUND: Housing is a key social determinant of health, particularly for people with disabilities who face compounded challenges related to affordability, accessibility, and housing quality. Despite the aims of federal rental housing assistance to alleviate these issues, little is known about its association with the health and housing conditions of disability households at the national level. OBJECTIVE: To assess disparities in health, housing quality, and housing insecurity between rental households with and without a person with a disability, and to examine whether federal rental housing assistance is associated with these disparities. METHODS: We analyzed data from the 2023 American Housing Survey, focusing on renter households with or without household members with disabilities. Weighted descriptive statistics and logistic regressions (with marginal effects and predicted probabilities) were used to examine associations between disability status, housing assistance, and multiple health and housing indicators. RESULTS: Households with members with disabilities were significantly more likely to report poor health, housing quality issues, and affordability challenges. For all households, federal rental assistance was associated with lower levels of affordability concern and housing cost burden, but was not associated with health and quality gaps. Interaction terms revealed a more mixed picture as rental assistance was associated with some but not all health disparities for households that included a person with a disability. CONCLUSION: Federal rental housing assistance provides partial but insufficient support for households with disabilities. To promote health equity, policy efforts must extend beyond affordability to address structural deficiencies in housing quality, accessibility, and broader determinants of health for people with disabilities.
Good communication with adults with learning disabilities in long-term care settings: A realist review.
Bauer A, Gaczkowska I, Gale-St Ives E … +13 more , Dixon K, Hatton C, Hoekstra R, Knapp M, Leadbitter K, Mikulak M, Ratti V, Slonims V, Tuudah E, Busk M, Quazi P, Williams A, Bradshaw J
Disabil Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 42106229 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Good communication is vital to high-quality care for adults with learning disabilities in long-term care settings, influencing their health and well-being. Evidence on how best to support their communication...
BACKGROUND: Good communication is vital to high-quality care for adults with learning disabilities in long-term care settings, influencing their health and well-being. Evidence on how best to support their communication needs is limited. OBJECTIVES: To develop an initial programme theory that synthesises knowledge on how communication interventions work in these settings, how they can be best designed, implemented, and evaluated, and the resources needed. METHODS: A realist review was conducted following RAMESES II standards, using seven databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library). After screening, included studies were assessed for quality and relevance, with data extracted from those rated moderate to high. Context-mechanism-outcome configurations were developed and refined through consultation with experts and stakeholders, including in meetings with 53 adults with learning disabilities, carers, and professionals. The review was registered on PROSPERO [BLINDED FOR REVIEW]. RESULTS: Of 5576 studies screened, 29 were assessed as moderate or highly relevant, contributing to ten context-mechanism-outcome configurations describing changes in: staff knowledge and awareness of communication; ability to assess individuals' needs; and use of practices, techniques, tools, and support for choice-making. Organisational resources key to enabling staff skill development referred to changes in leadership, policies and procedures, environmental modifications, training and ongoing support. Outcome measures include those reflecting effective communication. CONCLUSIONS: Good communication is a complex process that requires systemic support prioritising communication and meaningful relationships between staff and individuals. This initial program theory offers a framework to guide the implementation and evaluation of such support.
First steps toward pain classification among adults with cerebral palsy: A modified Delphi study.
Gannotti ME, Kohns DJ, Noritz GH … +18 more , Wyeth DO, Lucas EJ, Bates EB, Azizi H, Sarmiento CA, Thorpe DE, Nichols SA, Kreschmer JM, Koller SL, Schuh LY, Boyer ER, Schmidt MM, Krach LE, Pleasant K, Chin EM, Hurvitz EA, Bailes AF, Cerebral Palsy Research Network
Disabil Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 42086434 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Adults with cerebral palsy (CP) commonly experience chronic pain that is often misclassified, contributing to suboptimal treatment. For adults that can self-report, use of patient-reported measures to assess...
BACKGROUND: Adults with cerebral palsy (CP) commonly experience chronic pain that is often misclassified, contributing to suboptimal treatment. For adults that can self-report, use of patient-reported measures to assess pain or light phenotype assessment, is a feasible approach for routine outpatient clinics, but consensus on relevant domains and items is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To establish expert consensus on key domains and corresponding items for light phenotype pain assessment during routine outpatient visits for adults with CP. METHODS: We conducted a nine-month modified Delphi study involving 21 stakeholders-including clinicians, pain experts, and individuals with lived experience affiliated with the Cerebral Palsy Research Network (CPRN). Through nine meetings and ten iterative surveys, we used the ACCORD guideline to ensure rigorous consensus development. Agreement was defined as ≥75% endorsement. The process included three stages: domain identification, domain selection, and item evaluation and selection. Survey formats included ratings, rankings, yes/no confirmations, and free text responses. RESULTS: The expert panel identified and prioritized four domains essential for light phenotype assessment: pain location, onset, quality, and intensity. Four standardized items were selected for each domain, including the Michigan Body Map for location, a three-month duration item for onset, descriptive terms for quality, and a 0-10 numeric rating for intensity. The four selected items exceeded the 75% consensus threshold (90-100% agreement). CONCLUSIONS: This modified Delphi study achieved consensus on a pragmatic and stakeholder-informed framework for pain assessment in adults with CP. Identified domains and items will be implemented and evaluated in future quality improvement initiatives.
Mitigating race, ethnicity, and nativity differences in pregnancy outcomes: A cultural-psychosocial approach for women with disabilities.
Saripudin M, Hamdan AH, Asiah N
Disabil Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 42055930 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Social determinants of health and aging outcomes in people aging with disability: Findings from the health and retirement study 2006-2020.
Park S, Fields B, Bratzke L
Disabil Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 42031643 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Social determinants of health (SDOH) significantly contribute to health outcomes and the aging process. Although substantial research has investigated the associations between SDOH and aging in the general po...
BACKGROUND: Social determinants of health (SDOH) significantly contribute to health outcomes and the aging process. Although substantial research has investigated the associations between SDOH and aging in the general population, their associations with aging-related outcomes among people aging with disability remain understudied. OBJECTIVE: To examine the associations between SDOH and two dimensions of aging, phenotypic and functional. METHODS: An observational study was conducted using data from the 2006-2020 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. People aging with disability were defined as individuals who reported impairments that began before age 45 and persisted for at least five years. SDOH were categorized based on the Healthy People 2030 framework. Phenotypic aging was measured by metabolic dysfunction risk score, and functional aging was measured by limitations in activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. Hierarchical linear mixed models and Poisson generalized linear mixed-effects models were employed. RESULTS: A total of 1,872 individuals were included. Race/ethnicity and health insurance status were significantly associated with both phenotypic and functional aging. Higher educational attainment and active social participation were protective, whereas experiences of food insecurity and discrimination were associated with poorer aging outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions addressing SDOH, particularly those that enhance social integration and reduce experience of discrimination, may help promote more equitable aging-related health outcomes in this population. These findings provide actionable insights for the development of disability-inclusive aging policies and programs.
The impact of mHealth on physical activity in wheelchair users: A scoping review.
Starkoff BE, Patrick H, Lieberman L
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jul · PMID 42031642 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Wheelchair users (WCUs) encounter numerous barriers to engaging in physical activity (PA), resulting in elevated risks for chronic health conditions associated with inactivity. Mobile health (mHealth) technol...
BACKGROUND: Wheelchair users (WCUs) encounter numerous barriers to engaging in physical activity (PA), resulting in elevated risks for chronic health conditions associated with inactivity. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies offer a promising avenue to support PA engagement by enhancing accessibility, motivation, and independence. OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aims to examine the current evidence on the effectiveness of mHealth interventions in promoting PA among WCUs to identify gaps in the literature to inform future research and development. METHODS: A total of eleven studies were included, encompassing a range of mHealth tools such as mobile applications, telehealth platforms, and wearable devices. Studies were analyzed for intervention features and outcomes related to PA. RESULTS: Findings indicate that mHealth interventions can enhance PA behaviors in WCUs, particularly when incorporating features such as real-time feedback, gamification, and personalized goal setting. Approximately 64% of the studies reported improvements in PA outcomes. However, only two of the articles demonstrated significant changes, potentially attributed to small sample sizes and the nature of the studies. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, mHealth holds promise as a tool to reduce health disparities in WCUs by improving access to and motivation for PA. However, the current evidence base is limited and heterogeneous. Future research should prioritize the personalization and motivational factors of mHealth tools to better address the unique needs of this population.
Housing and need for personal assistance in relation to hand function: a cross-sectional study of 2304 Swedish adults with cerebral palsy.
Pettersson K, Hedberg-Graff J, Lindgren A … +3 more , Manousaki E, Cloodt E, Rodby-Bousquet E
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jul · PMID 41966963 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Less adults with cerebral palsy (CP) lives independently, compared to adults without disabilities. Access to personal assistance may help overcome barriers to independent living. Also, little is known about h...
BACKGROUND: Less adults with cerebral palsy (CP) lives independently, compared to adults without disabilities. Access to personal assistance may help overcome barriers to independent living. Also, little is known about hand function in adults with CP, and the role of hand function in achieving independent living remains unexplored. OBJECTIVE: To explore the associations between housing and personal assistance in adults with CP, relative to their hand function, age and sex. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional registry-based study of 2304 adults with CP, aged 20-64 years old, from the Swedish CP Follow-up Program and Quality Registry. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs). RESULTS: Almost half (48%) of the adults with CP lived independently, and 35% lived with their parents. Independent living was strongly associated with hand function, age and access to personal assistance. The probability of independent living decreased with increasing MACS levels. The odds for independent living increased with access to personal assistance (OR 13.6, 95% CI 9.5-19.6), age (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.08-1.10), and was higher in women (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.0-1.5) than men. In total, 995 (43%) adults received personal assistance. The probability for assistance increased successively with MACS levels to MACS V (OR 5.31, 95% CI 4.79-6.96). CONCLUSIONS: Hand function and access to personal assistance are key predictors of independent living in adults with CP. Promoting hand function and ensuring adequate assistance are essential for improving autonomy and quality of life in adults with CP.
Vertical and horizontal equity in support for children with disabilities: A cross-sectional analysis of Australia's national disability insurance scheme.
O'Flaherty M, Hill J, Smith-Merry J
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jul · PMID 41951470 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Children with disabilities face persistent disadvantages in health, participation, and development. In Australia, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a central funding mechanism for disability...
BACKGROUND: Children with disabilities face persistent disadvantages in health, participation, and development. In Australia, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a central funding mechanism for disability support. Equity is an explicit principle of the NDIS, yet concerns remain about whether access and experiences are equitable. OBJECTIVES: This study examines equity in three outcomes of NDIS support for children with disabilities: (1) whether the child has a NDIS plan, (2) the level of plan funding, and (3) parental satisfaction with NDIS supports. We assess these outcomes through the lens of vertical and horizontal equity. METHODS: Data come from the 2024 Better Support for Kids with Disabilities survey (N = 688 parents of children aged 2-17 years with disabilities). Logistic regression was used to model NDIS participation, ordinal logistic regression to model plan value, and linear regression to model satisfaction. RESULTS: Children with greater functional limitations were more likely to have a NDIS plan and to receive higher funding, indicating partial vertical equity. However, parents of children with greater functional limitations reported lower satisfaction. Horizontal equity was largely supported for the NDIS plan and funding outcomes, with few systematic disparities after accounting for functional limitations. Parents of older children, with fewer financial resources, and families including adults with disabilities reported lower satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: The NDIS appropriately directs greater resources toward children with higher needs, but inequities persist in satisfaction and experiences of support. Addressing disparities in navigation and service quality is essential to achieving equitable outcomes for all children with disabilities.
Nutritional challenges in para-athletes: A scoping review of current knowledge.
Conte D, Di Nucci A, Maio G … +1 more , Parpinel M
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jul · PMID 41916821 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Para-athletes face unique nutritional challenges arising from impairment-specific physiological and metabolic characteristics, along with environmental and economic barriers influencing food access and meal p...
BACKGROUND: Para-athletes face unique nutritional challenges arising from impairment-specific physiological and metabolic characteristics, along with environmental and economic barriers influencing food access and meal preparation. Despite the rapid growth of parasport, evidence guiding nutritional practice in this population remains limited. OBJECTIVE: This scoping review systematically mapped the literature on dietary intake and supplement use among para-athletes, identifying key nutritional challenges and research gaps across impairment types, sports, and competition levels. METHODS: Following the Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA-ScR frameworks, five databases were searched. Studies including para-athletes of any impairment, sport, or competitive level were eligible. Data were synthesized across seven domains: macronutrient and fiber intake, micronutrient intake, supplement use, hydration status, alcohol consumption, low energy availability, and dietary habits. Dietary intake was assessed against reference standards. Methodological quality assessment of the included studies was also performed with appropriate tools. RESULTS: Forty-seven studies were included. Across impairment groups, carbohydrate and fiber intakes were often below recommendations, while protein intake was generally adequate but insufficient in some female athletes. Vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, and iron inadequacies were common, alongside elevated sodium and B vitamin intakes. Supplement use ranged from 0% to 91%, dominated by vitamin/mineral, creatine, and omega-3 products. Evidence on hydration, alcohol use, low energy availability, and dietary habits was scarce but indicated potential health risks. CONCLUSIONS: Para-athletes face distinct and recurring nutritional challenges that impact sport performance and long-term health. Addressing these gaps through impairment-specific research and integrated nutrition care is essential to optimize performance and health in parasport.
Sport as a resource for psychological well-being for people with motor disabilities: A systematic review.
Di Dio A, Prezzavento GC, Sardella A … +7 more , Vitale NM, Uccelli E, Verduzzo I, Lanzafame I, Quattropani MC, Caponnetto P, Lenzo V
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jul · PMID 41912365 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Participation in sport is widely recognized as a crucial factor in overall well-being, especially for individuals with motor disabilities. The role of sports in promoting social support, mental health, resili...
BACKGROUND: Participation in sport is widely recognized as a crucial factor in overall well-being, especially for individuals with motor disabilities. The role of sports in promoting social support, mental health, resilience and self-efficacy among individuals with disabilities warrants further investigation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review is to examine the relationship between sports participation and psychological well-being outcomes in adults with motor disability. METHODS: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines we conducted a Systematic Review across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and PsycNET. Outcomes included psychological well-being and mental health, quality of life, self-efficacy, resilience, self-esteem, motivation, mood, disability acceptance, social support, perceived social competence, and body-sexual esteem. RESULTS: Of 10,806 initially identified records, 27 studies met the inclusion criteria. Results indicate sports participation is associated with improved psychological well-being (40% higher in competitive athletes; p < 0.0001; d ≥ 1.3), increased self-efficacy (P = 0.001, mean 69.5 ± 12.5 vs 62.0 ± 11.5 in non-athletes), higher resilience (r = 0.28; p = 0.004), and better social support in athletes with motor disabilities (β = 0.25; p < 0.01). Sports facilitated disability acceptance and improved social support, motivation, and mood regulation. Athletes showed varying quality of life perceptions, suggesting sports participation may serve as a mechanism for psychological adaptation and empowerment. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review underscores the multifaceted benefits associated with sports participation among individuals with motor disabilities, highlighting its role in enhancing psychological well-being. The findings emphasize the necessity of comprehending these factors to inform the development of evidence-based policies and targeted interventions aimed at promoting social inclusion and optimizing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities through sports. PROSPERO REGISTERED NUMBER: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42025638993.
Unmet needs and quality of life in first-stroke patients: The mediating effects of activities of daily living, depression, and social support.
Gao C, Li F, Qu Y … +4 more , Hu X, Ding W, Li X, Zhang J
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jul · PMID 41864853 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Stroke is a primary cause of disability on a global scale. The resultant functional impairments consequent to stroke give rise to a range of unmet needs among patients, especially those experiencing their fir...
BACKGROUND: Stroke is a primary cause of disability on a global scale. The resultant functional impairments consequent to stroke give rise to a range of unmet needs among patients, especially those experiencing their first stroke. The unmet needs of patients may have a significant negative impact on their quality of life (QoL). However, the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: Examine the mediating effects of activities of daily living (ADL), depression, and social support on the relationship between unmet needs and QoL in first-stroke patients. METHODS: A convenience sample of 400 patients with first-ever stroke was recruited. Data were collected using the Longer-term Unmet Needs after Stroke monitoring tool, the Barthel Index, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Social Support Rating Scale, and the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale. A parallel mediation analysis was conducted using Model 4 of the SPSS PROCESS macro. RESULTS: The results showed that unmet needs were negatively correlated with QoL. The mediation analysis revealed a significant direct effect of unmet needs on QoL, as well as indirect effects through ADL and depression. Social support did not show a significant mediating effect. CONCLUSION: Unmet needs affect QoL both directly and indirectly through ADL and depression. These findings underscore the importance of routine assessment and targeted management of unmet needs during post-stroke care. Interventions aimed at enhancing physical functioning and alleviating depression may be effective strategies to improve QoL in this population.
Factors associated with social participation among children with fragile X syndrome.
Gonzalez MG, Summers AD, Wiggins LD … +3 more , Schweizer MA, Thompson-Paul AM, Tinker SC
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jul · PMID 41832059 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Social participation may increase quality of life for children with disabilities. However, few studies have explored social participation among children with fragile X syndrome (FXS). OBJECTIVES: The objectiv...
BACKGROUND: Social participation may increase quality of life for children with disabilities. However, few studies have explored social participation among children with fragile X syndrome (FXS). OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this analysis were to describe social participation among children with FXS, associations with demographic and clinical characteristics, and caregiver-reported barriers to social participation. METHODS: Children with FXS aged 5-17 years were identified using data collected 2011-2021 in the Fragile X Online Registry With Accessible Research Database. Caregivers reported on types of social activities the child was involved in and specific barriers to social participation. Chi-square tests of independence were used to compare distributions by sex and modified Poisson regression was used to estimate unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Among children with FXS (n = 830), 81.7% participated in at least one social activity; physical (65.8%) and work or volunteer activities (2.0%) were the most and least common. Children with severe to profound intellectual disability (ID; aPR = 0.57, CI = 0.43-0.77) and emotional dysregulation behaviors (aPR = 0.93, CI = 0.87-1.00) were less likely to participate in a social activity relative to children without these characteristics. Demographic and clinical differences were observed for social participation by activity type. Caregivers most often reported behavioral issues (72.2%), time constraints (64.4%), and lack of community resources (64.2%) as barriers to social participation. CONCLUSION: Increasing adaptive program availability, activity staff training, and respite support services may improve social participation.
Stigma and social participation among members of racial and ethnic minority groups with multiple sclerosis.
Lee B, Qin S, Pan D … +6 more , Garcia S, Uvina A, Hernandez P, Arriaga M, Valdez Velador P, Umucu E
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jul · PMID 41794630 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Members of racial and ethnic minority groups with multiple sclerosis (MS) often face increased stigma due to their marginalized identities and lack of coping resources, leading to negative social consequences...
BACKGROUND: Members of racial and ethnic minority groups with multiple sclerosis (MS) often face increased stigma due to their marginalized identities and lack of coping resources, leading to negative social consequences such as unfair evaluations, exclusion, and limited opportunities. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this cross-sectional study was to assess how stigma is associated with social participation in members of racial and ethnic minority groups with MS. METHODS: A total of 224 members of racial and ethnic minority groups with MS participated in the study. Hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to examine whether higher scores in stigma are associated with lower levels of social participation after controlling for demographic, socioeconomic variables and functional limitations among members of racial and ethnic minority groups with MS. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that after controlling all other variables, increased levels of stigma were negatively associated with social participation. Overall, the entire model containing all predictor variables explained 42% of the variance in social participation. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that stigma is associated with social participation after controlling for all other variables, highlighting the need for interventions to address stigma and promote social participation among members of racial and ethnic minority groups with MS.
Medicaid home and community based services are vital for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A descriptive study of service use among all adult enrollees, 2022.
Rosenberg S, Garcia Estrada JA, Tewolde S … +6 more , Higgins A, Tao J, Levine AA, Sisson EQ, Michals A, Rubenstein E
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jul · PMID 41764026 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) are Medicaid funded services that support independence, person-centered care, and connection to community for disabled people. With drastic Medicaid cuts on the horizo...
BACKGROUND: Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) are Medicaid funded services that support independence, person-centered care, and connection to community for disabled people. With drastic Medicaid cuts on the horizon due to the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Bill, HCBS will likely be impacted. OBJECTIVE: To describe HCBS among adults in Medicaid with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in 2022. METHODS: We used Medicaid data from all with claims for autism, intellectual disability, and Down syndrome and identified HCBS use using established algorithms. We described differences by state, IDD type, and race/ethnicity and used multi-level models to account for confounding and state-level differences. RESULTS: Of 1,400,630 adults with IDD, 68.3% (N = 957,220) received HCBS in 2022. The most used HCBS types were case management (35.4%), home-based services (34.6%) and non-medical transportation (19.8%). There were limited differences by race and ethnicity in overall HCBS use. Asian Americans were more likely to use home-based services and less likely to use case-management compared to white peers. After adjustment, Autistic individuals without intellectual disability were 18.3 percentage points less likely and autistic people with intellectual disability were 4.6 percentage points more likely to receive any HCBS compared to people with intellectual disability without autism. CONCLUSION: Disabled people have care needs that exist beyond the scope of typical healthcare system. HCBS are widely used optional services that are not mandated to be covered. With pending Medicaid cuts, HCBS loss may be an area where services are lost, which will disproportionately harm the IDD community.
Race, ethnicity, and nativity differences in pregnancy and birth outcomes among Medicaid-enrolled women with disabilities.
Dev A, Horner-Johnson W, Schaefer A … +3 more , Stukel TA, Goodman DC, Leyenaar JK
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jul · PMID 41714270 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Women with disabilities have worse maternal health outcomes than women without disabilities, but we have a limited understanding of other disparities they face. OBJECTIVE: Investigate whether differences in p...
BACKGROUND: Women with disabilities have worse maternal health outcomes than women without disabilities, but we have a limited understanding of other disparities they face. OBJECTIVE: Investigate whether differences in pregnancy and birth outcomes vary by race, ethnicity, and nativity among low-income women with disabilities. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 24,631 live births to Medicaid-enrolled women with disabilities in Texas. We used linked administrative claims with birth certificate data to examine outcomes, including cesarean delivery, severe maternal morbidity (SMM), preterm birth (PTB), low birthweight (LBW), and small for gestational age (SGA). Modified Poisson regression estimated relative risks (RRs) for associations by race, ethnicity, and nativity. RESULTS: Non-Hispanic Black women with disabilities had significantly higher risks compared to non-Hispanic White women for SMM (RR 1.54; 95% CI: 1.25-1.90), PTB (RR 1.21; 95% CI: 1.09-1.34), LBW (RR 1.53; 95% CI: 1.37-1.71), and SGA (RR 1.94; 95% CI: 1.67-2.27). Hispanic women overall did not differ significantly from White women. Foreign-born Hispanic women had lower risks for PTB (RR 0.76; 95% CI: 0.64-0.89), LBW (RR 0.68; 95% CI: 0.56-0.82), and SGA (RR 0.76; 95% CI: 0.59-0.99) than US-born Hispanic women, and were less likely to undergo cesarean delivery (RR 0.89; 95% CI: 0.82-0.96). CONCLUSION: Findings highlight racial disparities in adverse maternal outcomes among women with disabilities and reveal important nativity-based differences within the Hispanic population. These results suggest the need for tailored pregnancy care interventions that address disability status alongside intersecting factors of race, ethnicity, and acculturation.
Areas of improvement for high-quality multiple sclerosis care: Insights from interviews with people with multiple sclerosis, providers, and clinical educators.
Roberts MK, Green CC, Alschuler KN
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jul · PMID 41708408 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Facing lifelong medical care needs, people with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience challenges to access healthcare, particularly high-quality MS care, in many settings. Moreover, people with MS, providers, an...
BACKGROUND: Facing lifelong medical care needs, people with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience challenges to access healthcare, particularly high-quality MS care, in many settings. Moreover, people with MS, providers, and clinical educators may have different perspectives regarding high-quality care. OBJECTIVE: This study seeks to better understand perspectives on high-quality care for multiple sclerosis and compare perspectives between people with MS, MS-specialist and non-MS specialist providers, and clinical educators to better support clinical education efforts to improve care. METHODS: We conducted qualitative semi-structured interviews (N = 42) with (1) experts in clinical education, (2) specialists in clinical care, (3) non-MS specialist clinicians, and (4) people with MS. Interviews were transcribed and coded for areas of improvement for MS care. RESULTS: Participant groups agreed regarding the need for improvement in (1) disease modifying therapies and other medications (e.g., understanding options, monitoring safety, and prescribing higher efficacy treatments), (2) working with other providers (e.g., collaborating across disciplines, coordinating with providers, and referring to specialists), (3) person-centered care (e.g., communicating clearly, listening, and respecting patient decision-making), and (4) diagnosis (e.g., using current diagnostic criteria and reducing time to diagnosis). People with MS strongly emphasized person-centered care. CONCLUSIONS: It is essential to understand how key groups define high-quality care to improve access to high-quality care beyond specialty settings. These insights will help clinical educators identify key areas for improvement when designing clinical education and providers deliver clinical care. While this study focused on MS, definitions of quality care may be applied to other conditions with complex neurological symptoms.
Global evidence, disability, and the urgent need for health equity.
Mitra M, McKee MM
Disabil Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 41702784 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Sensory maps 2.0: New approaches and visualizations in support of sensory processing disorders.
Celestin NM, Beheshti M, Feng J … +5 more , Clark S, Eidlisz J, Hudson TE, Williams LH, Rizzo JR
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jul · PMID 41702783 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Individuals with sensory processing disorders (SPDs) face challenges in wayfinding due to heightened sensitivity to environmental stimuli like noise and lighting. Although sensory maps have aided SPD individu...
BACKGROUND: Individuals with sensory processing disorders (SPDs) face challenges in wayfinding due to heightened sensitivity to environmental stimuli like noise and lighting. Although sensory maps have aided SPD individuals by aligning navigational routes with sensory needs, standardized protocols for creating these maps are lacking, with current methods largely qualitative. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to establish a standardized, quantitative protocol for sensory map creation, evaluating sound, brightness, and crowding density in a healthcare setting to enhance map precision and support future automation. METHODS: Sensory data were collected from the 1st and 17th floors of a large urban ambulatory care center in New York City. A qualitative spatial audit was initially conducted, followed by quantitative measurements of sound (decibels), brightness (lux), and crowding density at designated nodes. Using Python, we developed Voronoi diagrams to visualize intensity distributions across floorplans, applying statistical methods to ensure data accuracy and consistency. RESULTS: Qualitative assessments identified high-stimulus areas, particularly in the main lobby and elevator zones, which aligned closely with quantitative findings. Brightness peaked in central, naturally lit areas, while noise levels were highest near heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and entry points. The quantitative method enabled a more nuanced representation, enhancing map detail and reliability. CONCLUSIONS: The developed quantitative protocol offers a robust framework for sensory mapping, improving accessibility for individuals with SPDs in complex spaces. This approach holds potential for automation, addressing current reproducibility limitations and advancing inclusive design in public and healthcare settings.
Disability inclusion for early childhood care and development: the twin-track approach.
Olusanya BO, Wright SM, Nair MKC … +5 more , Lynch P, Khetani M, Davis AC, Hadders-Algra M, Global Research in Developmental Disabilities Collaborators (GRDDC)
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jul · PMID 41651770 · Publisher ↗
Since 2015, the global health community, through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has committed to promoting equitable early childhood care and development that fosters inclusive education and lifelong learning...
Since 2015, the global health community, through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has committed to promoting equitable early childhood care and development that fosters inclusive education and lifelong learning for all children under the age of 5. Whereas several global policies on disability-inclusion recommend a twin-track approach to support people with disabilities, the application of this approach for children with disabilities in early childhood is unclear. In this article, we examine the concept of inclusion for children with disabilities in early childhood and how to address the inequalities they face through the globally recommended twin-track approach. We highlight key components of this approach for optimizing school readiness for children with varying severities of disability. We offer recommendations for addressing potential barriers to disability inclusion, based on evidence from multiple sources, and emphasize the need for a globally coordinated strategy to advance the global vision and commitments for children with disabilities.
Practical tips for screening out imposters in disability and health research.
Fogle J, Davis A, Winokur A … +3 more , Lyons A, Jones HE, McDermott S
Disabil Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 41633854 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
About
- Frequency
- Sun
- Papers found
- 200
- RSS feed
- Subscribe