Improving Representation of People With Disabilities in Health Education

Over the past two decades, there has been increasing recognition of the importance and merits of increasing representation of historically underrepresented minorities in the health professions. However, people with disabilities are less discussed in these efforts. More than one in four of U.S. adults have a disability; yet it seems that these individuals are less represented in the field of health education. This commentary discusses the merits of increasing representation of people with disabilities in the health education/promotion profession and calls for preparation programs and professional organizations to reduce systemic barriers and facilitate increased representation.