Guiding Principles From Designing Disability-Inclusive Public Health Curricula

This Practice Report describes our development of disability-inclusive public health courses. People with disabilities are designated as a "population with health disparities" by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. Integrating disability-inclusive principles and approaches is an essential aspect of addressing barriers to population health and facilitating equitable public health practice among this population. Yet, public health professionals often receive minimal or no training on disability. To develop disability-inclusive public health training within our area of focus (developmental disabilities), we relied on input from key informants (N = 11) with expertise in disability advocacy, public policy, and public health practice and education. Thematic analysis with an "immersion and crystallization" process was used to produce 7 "Guiding Principles" for our work. Public health researchers and educators should consider building upon these emergent principles when developing disability-inclusive public health educational resources.