Today in the United States there is growing evidence that the citizens with disabilities are experiencing higher levels of alcohol and other drug problems than the general population. A recent report From the National Association on Alcohol, Drugs and Disability indicates that there may be as many as 6.5 million Americans with both a disability and a substance abuse problem. These problems are often unaddressed because the inability of the substance abuse prevention and treatment system to accommodate people with disabilities. Access to appropriate substance abuse prevention & treatment for persons with a disability has emerged as both a civil rights and healthcare issue. This presentation will include an historical overview of this activist movement during the past decade, including collaborations between consumers with disabilities and alcohol and other drug professionals, as well as the current state of treatment program accessibility and a national organizing effort, the Access Unlimited Coalition, advocating for systemic accessibility improvements.
Learning Objectives: An understanding of the history of the activist movement for the prevention and treatment of alcohol and drug abuse by people with disabilities
Keywords: Disability, Substance Abuse
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.