193 - Amplifying the Voices of Individuals with Disabilities

Abstract Information: For the first time, the Ohio Department of Health commissioned a health needs assessment focused solely on individuals with disabilities – during the COVID 19 pandemic, no less. A vital component of the project was that we prioritized hearing directly from people with significant disabilities in order to include and amplify their voices in the study. The pandemic posed challenges for doing so but individuals with significant disabilities, including intellectual and developmental, blind or low vision, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing, were crucial stakeholders in the statewide health needs assessment. Instead of doing anything in person, we fully shifted to gathering discussion group data virtually. Virtual focus groups/discussion groups can be an efficient and effective means for engaging populations that may have challenges attending in person discussions, but there are many logistical and other concerns to consider before doing so. This poster will present the process of reaching various populations with significant disabilities and engaging them in virtual focus groups to inform Ohio’s State Health Assessment.  We will review the recruitment, facilitation, group participation logistics and analysis approach. We will also address the specific resources needed for the various groups.