Disabilities and Tobacco

1. Disabilities and Tobacco

2. Definition of Disability • According to the Americans with Disabilities Act : “The term ‘disability’ means, with respect to an individual – (a) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of such individual; (b) a record of such impairment; or (c) being regarded as having such an impairment.”

3. Disabilities Awareness Month • Congress designated October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. • This designation encourages people to focus on the skills and productivity of people with disabilities.

4. The Disabled in America More than 50 million Americans have a disability.

5. Tobacco use among people with disabilities In North Carolina, about 31% of adults with disabilities smoke.

6. Tobacco use among people with disabilities People with disabilities who smoke may be more likely to be advised to quit by their doctors

7. How does tobacco affect the health of people with disabilities? • People with disabilities receive less preventive care than others and may be at greater risk for illness and chronic disease. • Since tobacco use also increases the risk for illness and chronic disease, members of this community are even more likely to experience adverse health outcomes if they use tobacco.

8. What can you do? • Take the pledge to be tobacco free and urge your friends to do the same. • Refer tobacco users to QuitlineNC. • Join TRU to tell others about the dangers of tobacco.