Health Equity for Children with Disabilities

Like all children, children with disabilities deserve the fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. There are many barriers to optimal health for children with disabilities. Eliminating health disparities requires removing or minimizing the obstacles that keep children from being healthy. Because pediatric orthopaedic surgeons are often engaged in the clinical management of children with temporary or permanent disabilities, they are uniquely suited to advocate for inclusive orthopaedic care for all children regardless of their circumstances. Pediatric orthopaedic surgeons can promote health equity for children with disabilities by recognizing how ableist beliefs and actions negatively impact the clinical care of children with disabilities and can take action by addressing biases in their clinical practices and beyond.