Supporting Parents with Disabilities in Pregnancy and Beyond

One in eight pregnancies in Ontario are to a person with a physical, sensory, or intellectual disability. People with disabilities experience significant structural, social, and health disparities. However, public health policy and practice typically do not address the needs of birthing people with disabilities in pregnancy and beyond. This session will highlight data from Ontario on the health outcomes and health care experiences of birthing people with disabilities in pregnancy and the postpartum period, as well as those of parents with disabilities with infants. Recommendations will be discussed related to public health practices and policies that support people with disabilities during this critical life stage, and resources for public health practitioners and families will be highlighted.

Intended audience: Public health nurses and family home visitors working in Healthy Babies Healthy Children or Nurse-Family Partnership; community-based professionals working with pregnant individuals or families with infants or young children

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Summarize recent data on pregnancy, postpartum, and infant health outcomes and health care experiences of birthing people with disabilities in Ontario.
• Discuss implications and recommendations for public health practice and policy.
• Explore the roles that public health nurses and home visitors may play in supporting prospective and new parents with disabilities.
• Identify existing resources that may assist public health practitioners in supporting these families.

Presenter(s): Hilary K. Brown

Hilary Brown, PhD, is an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto, in the Department of Health & Society and the Dalla Lana School of Public Health. She is also an Adjunct Scientist at Women’s College Hospital and ICES. Dr. Brown holds a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Disability & Reproductive Health. Her research program examines maternal and child health and mental health across the life course, with a particular focus on populations with disabilities and chronic illness, health equity, and the social determinants of health.

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies or views of Public Health Ontario, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by Public Health Ontario.

Accessibility

Public Health Ontario is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodations to participate in this event, please contact 647-260-7100 or capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.

Register Here