This year marks 30 years since the American Disabilities Act (ADA) became federal law. This groundbreaking legislation outlawed discrimination against people living with physical or mental disabilities. Yet, despite the ADA’s passage, 61 million adults living in this country with a disability still face barriers that stand in the way of inclusion.

One of the most significant barriers is the barrier to health care. As a group, people with disabilities fare far worse than their non-disabled counterparts. For example:

• Adults with disabilities are four times more likely to report their health to be fair or poor than people with no disabilities.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that one in three people ages 18 to 44 with disabilities did not have a primary care provider and had a health care need that went unmet in the last year due to cost.
• According to the CDC, adults living with disabilities are more likely to have obesity, smoke, have heart disease and suffer from diabetes.

Breaking barriers to health care through provider training
At CCHA, we believe disability awareness and comprehensive trainings are imperative for improving the overall care and services for those living with disabilities.

We offer our network providers and staff several competency trainings such as the ADA basics workshop, Integrating Health Care for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Working with Persons with Dual Diagnoses.

We also provide access to training toolkits around caring for diverse populations and cultural competency. Moreover, CCHA works with the Independence Center to train our care coordinators, practice transformation coaches and provider relations staff on disability-friendly health care.

Breaking barriers with care coordination services
CCHA care coordinators are a core component in facilitating effective health care management for people with complex chronic conditions and disabilities. CCHA care coordinators address each members’ unique needs and offer a person-centered approach to determining the most appropriate support and services. This approach results in fewer unmet health care needs and a more positive member experience.

If you have a disability, we are here to help. As a CCHA member, you have a care coordinator who understands your life, your goals and your individual needs. Your CCHA care coordinator can help you get information and services that are important to you, such as:

• Providers and specialists who understand your condition or disability
• Activities that help you stay independent and engaged in life
• Public benefits such as Food Stamps (SNAP) or affordable, accessible housing

Your CCHA care coordinator will serve as your advocate, coordinate your health care services and help you meet your personal goals so you can live a healthy life.

Call CCHA Member Support Services
303-256-1717 | 719-598-1540 | 1-855-627-4685 (TTY 711)
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.