Activity Highlights
Physical Activity
NCODH assisted the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability as subject matter experts in the development of the new specialty certification for fitness professionals to work with individuals with disabilities.
A certified inclusive fitness trainer (CIFT) is a fitness professional who assesses, develops and implements an individualized exercise program for persons with a physical, sensory or cognitive disability, who are healthy or have medical clearance to perform independent physical activity. CIFT professionals hold a current NCCA-accredited health/fitness certification and CPR and AED certifications. In addition to knowledge of exercise physiology, exercise testing and programming, a CIFT has knowledge in inclusive facility design and awareness of social inclusion for people with disabilities and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Additionally the ACSM/NCPAD CIFT demonstrates and leads safe, effective and adapted methods of exercise; writes adapted exercise recommendations, understands precautions and contraindications to exercise for people with disabilities; is aware of current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) policy specific to recreation facilities (U.S. Access Board Guidelines) and standards for accessible facility design and can utilize motivational techniques and provide appropriate instruction to individuals with disabilities to enable them begin and continue healthy lifestyles.
To register for an exam visit http://www.pearsonvue.com/acsm/cift.
2007 North Carolina Women's Health Report Card
The 2007 North Carolina Women's Health Report Card is a comprehensive summary of the state of women's health in North Carolina. The 2007 includes an insert on the health status of women with disabilities in North Carolina for the first time. This insert on Women with Disabilities in North Carolina highlights the many needs of women with disabilities and can guide our efforts to address the health disparities that exist between women with and without disabilities.
Partners include the NC Department of Health and Human Services, State Center for Health Statistics, NC Area Health Education Centers Program, NC Obstetrical & Gynecological Society, UNC Healthcare, UNC-CH School of Medicine, UNC-CH School of Public Health, Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, and the Center for Women's Health Research at UNC and corporate sponsors AT&T and Talecris Biotherapeutics.
Read both reports
http://www.cwhr.unc.edu/
NC Association of Self Advocates Convention
For the past several years the NC Association of Self Advocates Convention has offered a health fair in partnership with the North Carolina Office on Disability and Health. The 2009 health fair, entitled “There’s Nothing more Important than Your Health", will be held Saturday, March 28, 2009 at the Winston Salem Convention Center. Stay tuned for more information.
Women's Health Initiative
New Grant Award: AWESM: All Women: Educate, Screen, Mammogram, is a one year grant funded by the Komen for the Cure NC Triangle Affiliate. This project will provide education and screening services to women with intellectual disabilities who receive services at Community Rehabilitation Programs in Orange, Vance, Caswell, Person, and Durham counties. The project will also provide education to caregivers, mammography technologists and healthcare professionals. The project goals are to 1) Educate women with intellectual disabilities about the recommended three steps of breast healthcare; 2) Educate caregivers of the women with disabilities on breast healthcare and ways to support the women with intellectual disabilities seeking services; 3) Promote access to mammography screening for women with intellectual disabilities; 4) Provide mammography staff and healthcare professionals resources and training about providing services to women with intellectual disabilities; and 5) Assist women with positive mammogram findings to be linked to the next appropriate level of care. This project promotes proactive and ongoing preventive behaviors related to breast health through collaborations among employment service providers, healthcare professionals, caregivers, and women with disabilities.
Access for All: Implementing Fundamental Elements of Accessibility, funded by the NC Governor’s Crime Commission, is designed to improved accessibility of domestic violence and sexual assault services for women with disabilities. The project builds on prior GCC funded projects (2003-2005 and 2005-2007).
NCODH provides regional training workshops on the Women Be Healthy curriculum. For more information contact Pam Dickens at 919-966-0871.
New Grant award 1,2,3: Breast Care Works has been awarded by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation. This grant will develop developmentally appropriate breast health education material for women with intellectual disabilities.
New Publications
Removing Barriers: Planning Meetings that are Accessible to all Participants
This publication highlights guidelines and strategies to help organizations make
their meetings accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities. The
guide focuses on small and last-minute meetings to make sure that a variety
of participants are included in all aspects of organizational life.
Download now (958KB)
A Provider's Guide for the Care of Women with Physical Disabilities & Chronic Medical Conditions (newly revised)
This guide, originally written by Dr. Sandra Welner, has been updated by Suzanne C. Smeltzer, RN, EdD, FAAN and Nancy C. Sharts-Hopko, RN, PhD, FAAN. The guide is designed for clinicians to improve their knowledge and practice in providing care to women with physical disabilities and chronic health conditions. It includes information on access to general medical care, removing common barriers, comprehensive reproductive health care and health promotion and wellness.Download PDF (164KB) or read online
