The health and wellness initiative at the Human Development Institute raises awareness of health disparities, while helping people with disabilities and their support networks take charge of their health. We provide resources via lessons, videos, activities, and tips on running effective health promotion programming for people with varying abilities, as well as updates on current statewide health initiatives and ways to get involved.

Project CHEER has had the exciting opportunity to partner with the Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network to create a webinar focused on disability awareness in the health care field. The Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network aims to enhance access to high-quality cancer services and programs through the partnership and collaboration with 22 community hospital across Kentucky. The Affiliate Network provides cancer-specific education and training to health care staff, assists cancer programs in obtaining and maintaining their accreditation through the Commission on Cancer, and provides access to cancer treatment programs not available in every local community. The Affiliate Network reaches and supports cancer patients, families and caregivers, local doctors, and communities as a whole with their efforts.

This webinar between Project CHEER and the Affiliate Network is our first step in raising awareness about individuals with disabilities who may also have received a cancer diagnosis. This webinar provides a rich discussion about individuals with disabilities navigating the health care system and is told through the eyes of HDI’s employees and self-advocates, Morgan Turner and Jason Jones.

This webinar is the first in a series about disability, health care, and cancer so be on the lookout for future webinars coming later this year!

If you would like more information about the Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network, please visit https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/markey-cancer-center/refer-patient/affiliate-network