The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released a new study in the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities focusing on the relationship between income and education, and two health behaviors of smoking and obesity for individuals with disabilities from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Major findings revealed that the ratio of adults with disabilities differs based on race and ethnicity, with highest group of (3 in 10) reported as American Indian/Alaska Native and the lowest of (1 in 10) was Asian Americans. Additionally, the study found that individuals with low income or education are more likely to smoke or be obese, whether they had a disability or not.

Local health departments and other health professional are encouraged to use this study and accompanying infographic to pinpoint individuals with a higher likelihood to report smoking or obesity and to ensure health education and other programs are inclusive of persons with disabilities.