Engaging People with Disabilities & Their Families: Strategies for Communication and Support

The Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities at the University of Arizona, in collaboration with the Western Region Public Health Training Center (WRPHTC), is proud to offer a free, self-paced online continuing education course designed for public health professionals, healthcare providers, and educators. This course provides the tools and knowledge needed to effectively support individuals with disabilities and their families, promoting inclusive, culturally competent care.

Course Overview

This online program focuses on strategies for communication, advocacy, and support for people with disabilities and their families. Participants will learn to apply culturally responsive communication techniques, critically evaluate policies related to disability, and establish partnerships that enhance quality of care and community support.

The course is ideal for professionals seeking to improve their skills in:

• Public health outreach and community engagement

• Disability advocacy and policy implementation

• Inclusive education and healthcare support

Who Should Enroll?

This course is designed for:

• Public health professionals and community health workers

• Nurses, doctors, and other healthcare providers

• Social workers, dietitians, and health educators

• Anyone interested in improving services and support for individuals with disabilities

Key Benefits

By completing this course, participants will:

• Gain practical strategies for communicating with and supporting individuals with disabilities

• Develop culturally and linguistically competent approaches for diverse communities

• Understand the role of advocacy in disability support

• Earn 1.5 Continuing Education Contact Hours (CHES) for Certified Health Education Specialists

• Earn 1.5 Continuing Professional Education Units (CPEUs) for dietitians

About the Program

The course was developed to:

• Enhance the skills of public health workers in delivering culturally competent services

• Increase workforce competency in supporting individuals with disabilities and their families

• Improve retention and engagement in the public health workforce

The WRPHTC is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for healthcare professionals. It is also a designated provider of CHES contact hours through the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC).

Course Format

• Fully online – complete at your own pace

• Self-paced – learn on your schedule

• Free of charge – no registration or course fees

• 1.5 credits for professional continuing education

How to Enroll

To participate in this course, simply visit the course page and register online. No prior experience with disability advocacy is required, making it accessible to all professionals looking to expand their skills.

Contact Information

For more information or questions about the course, please contact:

• Celina Urquidez, MPH, Education and Training Sr. Coordinator – celinau@arizona.edu

• Barbara Brent, Community Systems Change Liaison

• APPLY HERE
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