July 26, 2016 marks nearly three decades since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) first went into effect, twenty-six years ago on the exact same date. This historic civil rights legislation made discrimination against individuals with disabilities illegal across the nation. In partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), NACCHO urges local health departments (LHDs) to celebrate this important milestone by promoting disability inclusion where they serve. The CDC is especially emphasizing the use of its Disability and Health Data System (DHDS) as a valuable tool for public health professionals and decision makers to better understand the characteristics and needs of adults with disabilities living in their community.

LHDs and partner agencies can find even more resources on serving individuals with disabilities by visiting NACCHO’s Health and Disability Program webpage. Additional information can also be located on the CDC website for National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, which directly supports NACCHO’s disability efforts.