Different View of the Issue: Seeing Disability Through the Lens of Diversity and Inclusivity in Health Care in the United States.

Abstract

Advocacy for diversity, inclusion, and equity within healthcare continues to be an issue of importance and attention nationally. However, definitions of diversity often do not include people with disability. This commentary describes barriers to healthcare utilization experienced by people with disabilities in the United States and presents a rationale to refocus disability through this lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the US systems of care. Bringing light to the ongoing challenges and inequities faced by our patients with disability is an essential first step toward improved inclusivity, leading to improved welfare of persons with disability as a whole.