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DHDD Newsletter – September/October 2019
A Note from the DHDD Director:
Dear colleagues –
September was full of a number of exciting events! We invite you to enjoy some of the highlights from September in this latest edition of the DHDD newsletter!
But first, an important October announcement:
Save-the-date!
Join us for CDC’s Public Health Grand Rounds (PHGR) on Tuesday, October 15th – 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET. DHDD will be leading a discussion on Addressing Disparities in Health Care for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities.
Speakers will include:
- Georgina Peacock, MD, MPH, FAAP (CDC)
- Susan Havercamp, PhD, FAAID (Ohio State University)
- Liz Weintraub (Association of University Centers on Disabilities)
- Tim Shriver, PhD (Special Olympics)
Watch online: https://www.cdc.gov/grand-rounds/
In-person: CDC Chamblee Campus (4770 Buford Highway, ATL GA 30341), Bldg. 106 Rooms 1A/B*
Thanks for all of your support! We hope to see you all at the PHGR event!
– Dr. Georgina Peacock, Director, DHDD
A Disability and Health State Profiles – Updated!
NCBDDD’s Disability and Health State Profiles have been updated to include 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data from the Disability and Health Data System (DHDS). These profiles provide an overview of disability health indicators in each state compared to national estimates. Partners can use this information to learn more about the percentages and characteristics of adults with disabilities in their state, and to inform their state’s health promotion activities to improve the health and well-being of people with disabilities.
DHDD in Action – New Stories and Science
A Look at Prevalence of Developmental Disabilities among U.S. Children
CDC and HRSA scientists found an increase* in the prevalence of developmental disability in children aged 3—17 years in the U.S. between 2009 and 2017.
* The reasons for these increases are not known, but may include improved awareness, screening, diagnosis, and service accessibility.
A recently published study in Pediatrics describes how often developmental disabilities were diagnosed among children in the U.S. and trends over time.
Public health officials and healthcare providers can use these findings to better understand trends associated with the diagnosis of developmental disabilities and to plan for services that support children and their families.
Children’s Preparedness Capacity at CDC
September is “National Preparedness Month”
CDC researchers recently published an article in the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH), chronicling the history and significant progress of the Children’s Preparedness Unit (CPU). As part of the preparedness-focused supplement in the journal, the article highlights CPU’s emphasis on the needs of children before, during, and after public health emergencies.
Learn more about the historical and ongoing work of the Children’s Preparedness Unit. You can also listen to CPU’s latest podcast about the importance of having an emergency plan.
World Duchenne Awareness Day
DHDD recognized the 5th Annual World Duchenne Awareness Day on September 7th. NCBDDD continues to support projects aimed at improving the diagnosis and care of people with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).
Our partners created the DMD Family Guide as a resource to help individuals with DMD and their caregivers manage each stage of life.
AAP Updates its Guidelines on ADHD
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has revised its clinical care guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. CDC supported the review of the evidence that was used to update the recommendations, released on September 30, 2019.
A few highlights:
- The new guidelines strengthen the recommendations for behavior therapy for children and adolescents with ADHD. Parent training in behavior management is recommended as the first-line treatment for preschoolers, and as an important part of treatment combined with medication for older children.
- The new guidelines emphasize the importance of the school environment. Educational interventions and individualized instructional supports are a necessary part of any treatment plan, best if combined with behavioral classroom management.
- The new guidelines add recommendations for pediatricians to address co-occurring disorders, either by initiating diagnosis and treatment if they have the relevant expertise, or making referrals to subspecialists.
- In a companion article, the AAP identifies system-level challenges that clinicians face in seeking to implement the guidelines, and provides suggested strategies to overcome barriers to care.
DHDD in the Field
American College of Epidemiology Annual Meeting Presentations:
Presentations by DHDD scientists included:
- “Oral health service use among U.S. adults aged 18 to 64 years by disability status and state Medicaid expansion status” – by Catherine Okoro, Guixiang Zhao, NaTasha Hollis, and Hilda Razzaghi;
- “Diabetes prevalence among U.S. adults with disabilities: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2013-2016” – by Hilda Razzaghi, Catherine Okoro, NaTasha Hollis, and Yiling Cheng.
Montana and Massachusetts Disability and Health Program Visits
JoAnn Thierry (DHDD) visited the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (MTDPHHS) in Helena, MT and other partner organizations including the Montana Independent Living Project (mILp).
JoAnn and Mary Helen Witten (DHDD) also visited the Massachusetts Health and Disability Program in Boston, MA at the end of September.
Check out these great action photos from JoAnn Thierry’s (DHDD) visit to Helena, Montana!
Montana Disability and Health Team: Heather Welch (MTDPHHS); Meg Traci (Univ. of Montana); JoAnn Thierry (DHDD); Mackenzie Jones (MTDPHHS); Robin Silverstein (MTDPHHS)
Photos captured during a walk audit: Top photo (left/right): Joel Peden (mILp); Liz Ann Kudrna (Montana Disability and Health Advisor Program); Bottom 2 photos: Chris Siller (mILp)
Photos captured during a walk audit:Left column: Photo of Van Accessible sign; Right column (top): Liz Ann Kudrna (Montana Disability and Health Advisor Program); Right column (bottom): Wheelchair Charging Station (left to right) – JoAnn Thierry (DHDD); Meg Traci (Univ. of Montana); Heather Welch (MTDPHHS); Mackenzie Jones (MTDPHHS)
Increasing Physical Activity through Adaptive Sports (Helena Ice Arena): Left column: Kevin Connolly (Internationally known artist and athlete); Right column: Team photo - JoAnn Thierry (DHDD); Charles Alvarez (mILp); Meg Traci (Univ. of Montana); Mackenzie Jones (MTDPHHS)
Hands & Voices Leadership Conference, Washington, D.C.
The Hands & Voices Leadership Conference brought together a host of attendees working for individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing to develop skills and receive leadership training and other skills to assist and advocate for individuals who are hard of hearing and their families.
This year’s theme was Every Child, Every Family, Every Leader, and was held in our nation’s capital on the Gallaudet University campus. Attending the conference provided an opportunity to engage with EHDI partners as well as network. There were many breakout sessions to choose from, including data-related and parent engagement sessions. The conference was well received and had a great take away message: “Fostering Joy.”
DHDD’S mission is to lead inclusive programs to optimize the health and development of children and adults with, or at risk for, disabilities.
