53: Protecting the Vulnerable - How Public Health Can Better Serve People with Disabilities

People living with disabilities have borne disproportionate burden in past emergency situations due to inequities in preparedness and response. To address and prevent inequities in the COVID-19 response, ASTHO placed 14 disability and preparedness specialists into health agencies around the country to promote inclusivity of people living with disabilities. On today’s episode, we explore how two of these disability and preparedness specialists have worked to address the needs of people living with disabilities in their jurisdictions. Our experts share their drive for this work and what their states are doing to promote equity for people living with disabilities. Speakers: Sara Hart Weir, MS, Special Advisor, Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services Kara Nett Hinkley, MPP; Special Advisor for COVID-19, Louisiana Department of Health Joseph Kanter, MD, MPH, State Health Officer, Louisiana Department of Health Resources Examining the Americans with Disabilities Act in Emergency Responses (ASTHO) Website Accessibility: Enhancing Access to COVID-19 Vaccine Registration and Beyond (ASTHO) Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day in Missouri (PSA Video) (Missouri) White House Call: Vaccinating People with Disabilities (White House) Vaccine Eligibility for People with Disabilities and their Providers (Louisiana)