Free Essay About Disability In The News

Summary of the News Article

In the article entitled “People with disabilities experience unrecognized health disparities, new research shows” written by the Oregon State University, researchers conducted a study which apparently revealed that people with disabilities have greater tendencies to manifest poor health conditions which were found to be unrelated to the disability . As such, this group of people was added as a category for a health disparity group, in addition to race and ethnicity. Statistics were provided in terms of disclosing that as much as 12 percent of the U.S. population falls within the people with disabilities classification where it was reported that they are “2.5 times more likely to report skipping or delaying health care because of costs and they have higher rates of chronic disease than the general population” (Oregon State University, 2015, par. 6). The categorization of people with disabilities as a health disparity population was recognized as relevant in addressing unmet health needs.

Reaction

The publication of the report in the Science Daily enhanced greater opportunities for awareness on the health needs of people with disabilities that should be addressed. The research that was conducted on the subject matter was reported to have been published in the American Journal of Public Health . The publication of the research aim and results assisted in recognizing that people with disabilities need to be supported through the recommendations proposed by the researchers in the study. One of the recommendations noted was improving “public health programs that are designed to be inclusive of people with disabilities” (Oregon State University, 2015, par. 8). I contend that part of the improvement measures is designing strategies that reach out to people with disabilities in their home setting. As such, local communities should identify community members with disabilities and accurately discern as well as document their health requirements. This is most relevant for people with disabilities who lack support from family or friends. In addition, since people with disabilities could have lesser opportunities to earn a stable income for themselves, local health agencies should ensure provision of access to free health care and sustained inclusion in public health programs.
Overall, it is commendable that the results of the research was published in a publication with greater access to a wider range of audience. Aside from just enhancing awareness to the plight of people with disabilities, the article should be a vehicle for encouraging positive action to assist them in whatever small endeavors we can.

Reference

Oregon State University. (2015, February 26). People with disabilities experience unrecognized health disparities, new research shows. Retrieved March 1, 2015, from Science Daily: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/02/150226144928.htm