The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #47076

Michael H. Fox, ScD, Department of Health Policy & Management and the KU Research and Training Center on Independent Living, University of Kansas, University of Kansas, Dole Building, Room 4089, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785 864-0587, mfox@ku.edu, KyungMee Kim, MSW, Research and Training Center on Independent Living, University of Kansas, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Room 4089, Lawrence, KS 66045, and Glen White, PhD, University of Kansas, Research and Training Center on Independent Living, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Room 4089, Lawrence, KS 66045.

There is an increasing need to account for social and environmental factors to a greater extent in defining the emerging universe of persons with disability. The goal of this research project is to understand characteristics that distinguish emerging from traditional disability populations, and identify data sources that allow accurate measurements of this universe. We have done this by documenting existing instruments used to measure disability, qualitatively analyzing how emerging disabilities are understood by persons with disabilities, and using existing data sources, including legal opinions, to analyze the effects of social and environmental factors on developing a social construct. Our early findings reinforce the frequently stated belief that emerging disabilities are difficult to measure because they are difficult to diagnose. This is true for both persons who have these conditions, and medical personnel who are expected to interpret them. Consumers identified themselves as having "emerging disabilities" that may not be apparent to casual observers. The common themes they shared with us were that their conditions were not easily categorized, there exists an absolutely critical role of a helpful physician in working with them to accommodate their poorly understood disability, a need exists for a referral system that can identify who helpful physicians are for persons unfamiliar with local health and medical services, and that a broader acceptance of individuals' unique qualities, especially within independent living centers and among employers, is a more appropriate way to interpret and deal with emerging disabilities than is a more refined form of diagnosis.

Learning Objectives:

• To develop among attendees a greater understanding of many of the complexities associated with measuring many types of emerging disabilities, and foster discussion of policy strategies which can better link persons with emerging disabilities with the independent living movement.

Keywords: Disability Policy, Disability Studies

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The University of Kansas, Research and Training Center on Full Participation in Independent Living
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.