In 2005, with the generous support of FISA Foundation, ACHIEVA established its Disability Health Policy Forum. The project goals are to:
• Sharpen focus on a selected public-health priority for people with developmental disabilities
• Raise public and professional awareness of the issue and possible solutions
• Build a broad base of public and professional support for solutions, including consumers, families and advocates
• Engage stakeholders in working toward policy improvements
The first issue selected is access to oral health care for people with developmental disabilities. With the guidance of a distinguished Advisory Committee, ACHIEVA organized and hosted a half-day policy forum in November 2005; compiled research and promising strategies from across the Commonwealth; and is currently working with stakeholders to develop and advance policy recommendations.
Some fast facts:
• People with developmental disabilities have significantly higher rates of poor oral hygiene, gingivitis and periodontitis than members of the general population.
• Although the incidence of tooth decay varies among people with disabilities, overall the rate is significantly higher than that of the general population.
• Evidence increasingly links the presence of chronic oral infections to serious systemic diseases such as stroke, heart disease and diabetes.
• As a consequence of their poorer oral health, people with developmental disabilities are therefore at significantly higher risk for these more serious health problems.
• Neglecting oral health can lead to higher overall health care costs that could potentially be prevented – not to mention the human toll in difficulties with chewing, swallowing and speaking; inhibited social interactions; adverse effects on employment; and/ or living with discomfort.
Click here to see the complete executive summary.
Click here to see the complete Disability Health Policy Forum report.
If you are having difficulty finding appropriate oral health care, please let us know by emailing mhartley@achieva.info or by calling 412-995-5000 ext. 569.
For more information about the Disability Health Policy Forum, please contact Mary Hartley at mhartley@achieva.info.
