Thursday September 3rd, 2026; 11:30-12:30 EST - ZOOM Presentation
Title: Aspiring to Disability Consciousness in Health Professional Training
Summary: Despite growing recognition of disability as a critical component of health equity, many health care trainees and professionals report limited confidence and preparation in caring for patients with disabilities. This presentation introduces participants to the foundational principles of disability studies, disability justice, and the idea of disability consciousness, while reviewing current evidence on provider competency and competency-based disability health education. The presenters view disability consciousness as an innovative way to improve the education of health care trainees and professionals, and ultimately to improve health equity. Building on the framework proposed by the presentators in their paper Aspiring to Disability Consciousness in Health Professions Training, attendees will explore how anti-oppressive approaches can transform health professions education and leave with practical recommendations for integrating disability consciousness into curricula and clinical training. Key insights from the paper and actionable strategies for educators will be highlighted throughout the session.
Lydia Smeltz, MD, is a second-year Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation resident with a career interest in pediatric rehabilitation medicine. She earned her undergraduate degree from Duke University and her medical degree from Penn State College of Medicine. Her scholarship focuses on disability health, health professions education, and advancing equitable care for people with disabilities. Dr. Smeltz led the development and implementation of ADEPT-CARE, an educational tool designed to teach learners how to perform a comprehensive history and physical examination for patients with disabilities, amongst more than 14,000 learners and health care professionals across Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State Health.
Susan M. Havercamp, PhD is a Professor of psychiatry and behavioral health at THE Ohio State University Nisonger Center. She does research to understand and improve the health of people with disabilities and is committed to improving healthcare for people with disabilities through education. She partnered with the Alliance and the disability community to develop the Core Competencies on Disability in Health Care Education.
ABOUT ADHCE: On the first Thursday of every month at 11:30 EST ADHCE provides a networking opportunity to members and interested guests as well as near Monthly Presentations. The monthly meeting typically includes presentations around current topics of interest, advocacy, and announcements for upcoming events. You can also learn more about the organization and the wonderful work of its members. Students are welcomed. If you are not a member you will need to register to receive a free Zoom invite to attend monthly meetings.
ADHCE does not collect registration fees for any event and proudly offers monthly meetings and an annual conference at no additional cost to attendees. We do welcome donations to support ongoing operational expenses as the organization continues to grow. And if you are not yet a member please join ADHCE.
