218: Advocating for Accessible Healthcare for People with Disabilities With Chanda Hinton

Our recent guest on the I Love Neuro podcast, Chanda Hinton, is doing impactful work to improve healthcare access and quality of care for individuals with disabilities. As the Executive Director of the Chanda Center for Health & Wellness in Denver, Colorado, Chanda leads efforts in both direct service provision and systemic advocacy.

Chanda shared her personal story of living with a spinal cord injury since 1991. She discussed the secondary conditions that often arise and how the medical model can fall short in long-term support. Chanda's experience with chronic pain and reliance on opioids inspired her vision for the Chanda Center - providing holistic, collaborative care through integrative therapies like physical therapy, acupuncture and massage.

For 19 years, the Chanda Center has evolved its approach. It now offers on-site services under one roof, including physical therapy, chiropractic, behavioral health and more. Chanda advocates for Medicaid coverage of these therapies based on her success with them. She works to reduce red tape around physical therapy access through Medicaid as well.

Chanda highlighted the need for improved disability competence among healthcare providers. Biases that disability equals sickness must be challenged. Providers need education and autonomy to respectfully serve individuals. Chanda also emphasized the importance of visibility - on social media and in mainstream representation. This helps normalize the reality that one in four people will experience disability.

Through direct service, advocacy and legislative change, Chanda empowers people with disabilities. She trains providers and works to redefine narratives around both disability and aging. Chanda's courageous and collaborative approach is uniquely improving lives and transforming healthcare systems. 

To learn more about supporting the Chanda Center's mission, visit their website at https://chandacenter.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chandacenter/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chandacenterforhealth/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chandacenterforhealth/