About Us
The Arkansas Disability and Health Program began in 1988 at the Arkansas Department of Health as a disability prevention program focused mainly on accident and fall prevention. Later the CDC shifted their interest to the prevention of secondary conditions and maintaining good health of people with disabilities. At this time the disability & health program moved from the Department of Health to Partners for Inclusive Communities – UAMS. Today our mission is the general health promotion of people with disabilities and prevention of secondary conditions, and we enjoy joint offices at the Arkansas Department of Health and Partners for Inclusive Communities. With the Department of Health being the public health agency for the state and Partners being the disability center of excellence for the state; this collaboration of interest and resources has proven to be an excellent partnership for the Arkansas Disability & Health Program.
Partners for Inclusive Communities is part of a nationwide network created and funded through the Administration on Developmental Disabilities. These organizations fall under the federal title of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service. To learn more about this network, go to www.aucd.org.
Arkansas Disability and Health Program staff and a broad coalition of representatives from the disability community, disability organizations, state agencies, and health organizations worked together to develop the Arkansas Strategic Plan for Promoting the Health & Wellness of People with Disabilities. The 8 areas of interest include:
- Health Promotion
- Quality Health Care
- Violence Prevention & Access to Justice
- Emergency Preparedness
- Civic Engagement
- Community Design
- Life Span Issues
- Surveillance
The Strategic Plan provides a foundation for the activities of the ADHP.
