Healthy People 2010: Health Education Implications and Recommendations for Youth with Disabilities

Abstract

The current national public health agenda set forth in the recent publication of Healthy People 2010 acknowledged the need for targeted data collection and health promotion efforts for persons with disabilities. The professional literature has recognized that youths with disabilities exhibit similar health risks to those of their nondisabled peers that can influence their adult years, and that they may be predisposed to certain health risks because of their exceptionalities. Thus, establishing relevant, meaningful, developmentally appropriate, and ability-centered health education for youths with disabilities that is supported by a comprehensive public health agenda is essential. This article presents significant health education needs of youths with disabilities; health education issues and implications of the 2010 agenda for this population; and recommendations for improving the health status of youths with disabilities with regard to research, health education programs, and professional development for health education delivery.