By Hannah Walters, MPH, Senior Manager for Policy and Community Initiatives
On Tuesday, April 4, nearly 40 partners from around the state gathered in Columbia to learn how to create healthy, more inclusive communities for people living with disabilities. Co-hosted by the SC Disability and Health Project and Eat Smart Move More SC (ESMMSC), the day-long training was led by experts at the National Center for Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD).
Attendees learned how to use the Community Health Inclusion Index (CHII)—a set of tools to help communities assess the inclusivity of their healthy living resources—as well as how to identify and prioritize strategies to make their communities more accessible. For example, maintaining and repairing paths and sidewalks as well as ensuring transportation stops are in accessible, safe locations are two important strategies to ensure all individuals—particularly people with disabilities—can travel safely and access services.
Currently, one in four adults in South Carolina has a disability. Adults living with disabilities are three times more likely to have heart disease, diabetes, or cancer, and are more likely to smoke, be obese, and be inactive. ESMMSC is committed to working with our partners to help remove barriers for people with disabilities to create healthier, more inclusive communities in our state. For more information contact Hannah Walters at hannah@eatsmartmovemoresc.org.