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Smart Talk: People with disabilities should be included in public health discussion

FILE PHOTO: In this July 28, 2017, photo, Kathleen, 12, a disabled adopted daughter of Vivian Shine-King, poses for a portrait at her home in Philadelphia.

 Jacqueline Larma / AP Photo

FILE PHOTO: In this July 28, 2017, photo, Kathleen, 12, a disabled adopted daughter of Vivian Shine-King, poses for a portrait at her home in Philadelphia.

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Airdate: Friday, April 23, 2021

The disparate impact of the coronavirus on minority populations has been well-documented throughout the course of the pandemic. The consequences faced by nursing homes and to the elderly have also received attention.

Pennsylvanians with disabilities, many living at home or in congregate care settings, have never received the kind of attention during the crisis that other groups have and an area scholar is highlighting the need for this to change.

Prof. Emeritus Dennis Downey, Ph.D., History, Millersville University, authored Pennhurst and the Struggle for Disability Rights,” and he argues this group, in particular, needs the attention of public health advocates.  Professor Downey appears on Smart Talk Friday.

For more on public health issues plus a deeper look at the changing tide of healthcare–check out WITF’s Transforming Health. Online at TransformingHealth.org, a partnership of WITF, WellSpan Health and Capital Blue Cross.

Roads to Freedom Center for Independent Living, as mentioned by a Smart Talk listener.

Roots for Boots grassroots effort seeks to “restore hope”

An unexpected career change came to Christy Lucas through a desire to help local veterans find hope in their future and to offer help for whatever they might need.

Christy Lucas founded Roots for Boots to serve area veterans and their families and she appears on Smart Talk Friday to share the inspiration behind her career change.

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