Health & Wellness

People with disabilities face at least the same risk as the general population of developing illnesses and health conditions that can further affect their independence. Regular and timely preventive health care is as important as specialty care for children and adults with disabilities. For people with disabilities to get the full benefit of health care services, the physical environment and equipment used for diagnosis and treatment must be fully accessible and the program must appropriately accommodate individuals with all types of sensory, physical, communication and mental disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has brought about many improvements in access to health care services, but more needs to be done. Iowa's UCEDD collaborates with a variety of state and national partners to improve access to health services for Iowans with disabilities through the following projects.

• CDD Clinics – The Clinics at the Center for Disabilities and Development, part of University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital, are dedicated to improving the health and independence of people with disabilities. Visit the website to learn about our services or make an appointment.
• Communicating Effectively with People with Disabilities – Faculty, staff, and individuals with disabilities provide a panel discussion on basic health issues for people with disabilities, and offer role-playing scenarios that address ways to accommodate people with disabilities in clinical settings.
• Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program (EHDI) – An early intervention program to support the development of hearing screening programs in hospitals, area education programs and Early Headstart programs.
• Iowa Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (ILEND) – ILEND is an interdisciplinary leadership training program for graduate students with a commitment to providing culturally competent, family-centered, coordinated care and improving services systems for children with special health care needs and their families.
• Iowa Medicaid Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) – An information and training program for health providers who care for children and youth with EPSDT benefits. Providers can learn about screening tools and protocols, and receive the latest guidance on health maintenance requirements.