Individuals with disabilities are an important demographic in the United States, with 1 in 4 adults living with some form of disability. The National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD) has been working hard to improve the health and well-being of individuals with disabilities through various initiatives. This includes implementing 19 state-based and two national programs aimed at increasing access to preventive care and health promotion for people with disabilities, as well as ensuring that athletes with disabilities receive necessary healthcare screenings.
One area where the NCBDDD has had a significant impact is in Muscular Dystrophy care. Healthcare providers can now use standard treatment recommendations informed by the NCBDDD’s research findings to improve care for individuals living with this condition. Similarly, babies born with Spina Bifida, which affects more than 1,400 infants annually, are receiving better care throughout their lives thanks to the data on treatments and surgical care provided by the NCBDDD.
In addition to these specific conditions, the NCBDDD’s work has had a positive impact on individuals living with Congenital Heart Defects (CHD). With nearly 2.5 million people in the United States affected by CHD, the NCBDDD’s data on possible health challenges and treatment needs has helped individuals and their healthcare providers to improve care, enabling them to live longer and healthier lives. Overall, the NCBDDD’s work is crucial in improving healthcare outcomes for individuals with disabilities in the United States.
