The Choice Group

As we step into 2025, disability advocates are closely monitoring three major trends that could shape the future of accessibility, healthcare, and independence for individuals with disabilities. While advancements in technology and policy changes bring both opportunities and challenges, staying informed is key to ensuring inclusive solutions remain a priority. 1. The Growing Role of AI in Healthcare Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more integrated into healthcare systems, from streamlining administrative tasks to assisting with medical decision-making. However, automated processes aren't always perfect—errors in Medicaid eligibility systems, for example, have previously resulted in wrongful disenrollment for eligible individuals. As AI continues to evolve, ensuring these technologies serve all individuals fairly is essential. 2. The Future of Medicaid and Community Care Medicaid is a vital resource for individuals with disabilities, providing access to long-term care, home-...

Despite the fact that one in four U.S. adults has a disability, many doctors report feeling unprepared to provide adequate care for this population. Historically, medical education has framed disability as a problem rather than focusing on inclusion, accessibility, and patient-centered care. This lack of training has contributed to negative biases, inaccessible healthcare environments, and disparities in treatment. At institutions like Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, educators are working to change this narrative. A new approach to disability-competent medical training ensures that future physicians gain direct experience and insight into the needs of patients with disabilities. Hands-On Learning for a More Inclusive Future. Medical students at Feinberg are now actively engaging in: ✅ Patient-centered history-taking – Learning to ask about a patient’s disability and functional needs in a respectful and informed manner. ✅ Guest speaker experiences – Hearing first...