National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
March 1, 2026
March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. This month, we want to highlight an opportunity for healthcare providers to receive disability training at no cost.
The Georgia Statewide Disability & Health program at the Center for Leadership in Disability (CLD) invites all healthcare providers, health service workers, and related staff to this healthcare provider training opportunity!
These two virtual Responsive Practice trainings offered at no cost provide information and strategies for identifying, addressing, and removing barriers to health care for individuals with disabilities.
CDC-FUNDED CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS ARE AVAILIBLE!
Responsive Practice 1: Providing Health Care Screening to Individuals with Disabilities
Course overview: Online, on-demand & free for a limited time. Helps health care providers to:
- Describe disparities in health experienced by people with disabilities.
- Recognize barriers people with disabilities face when accessing health care & preventive services.
- Acquire strategies & approaches to provide disability-competent, responsive care.
Responsive Practice 2: Accessible and Adaptive Communication
Course overview: Health care providers earn professional credit while learning to:
- Presume that patients with disabilities are competent to understand, communicate, and participate in their own care.
- Identify and use alternative methods of communication.
- Set clear and reasonable expectations for future communications to be successful.
Who Should Take the Trainings?
These training modules are an opportunity for all health professionals to develop the skills and knowledge needed to ensure equitable care for all people. This includes physicians, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, social workers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, health administrative staff, public health workers, community health workers, and more.
For questions contact Sydnie Smith, M.Ed., Program Manager: ssmith387@gsu.edu
Using AI for Accessibility for People with Disabilities
New technology powered by artificial intelligence (AI) can make everyday tasks easier for people with disabilities. Disability advocates are working to make sure new technology helps people with disabilities instead of creating new barriers. Researchers and advocates are working to teach people how to use existing tools as well as building new technology designed specifically for people with disabilities and their families.