Threading disability content throughout a baccalaureate nursing curriculum

Approximately one billion people, or 16% of the world’s population, live with some form of disability, including physical, intellectual, developmental, or mental health-related disabilities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2025) defines disability as any condition of the body or mind that may make it more difficult for an individual to perform certain activities or interact with the world around them. Individuals with disabilities experience significant health disparities and are more likely to experience obesity, tobacco use, and chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. In addition, people with disabilities encounter numerous barriers within the healthcare system, including limited access to care, inconsistent or fragmented healthcare providers, and social determinants of health such as food insecurity and residence in food deserts. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental condition that affects approximately 1 in 34 children (CDC, 2026). Given the prevalence and diversity of disabilities, nurses are likely to encounter individuals with disabilities across virtually every healthcare setting and stage of life. Therefore, it is essential that nursing students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to recognize and address the unique healthcare needs and barriers experienced by this population. The purpose of threading disability content throughout the nursing curriculum is to provide students with foundational knowledge regarding the broad spectrum of physical, intellectual, developmental, neurological, and mental health disabilities while preparing them to deliver safe, equitable, patient-centered care. Upon graduation and licensure, registered nurses (RNs) will care for individuals with disabilities across all age groups, healthcare settings, and demographic populations. Consequently, a working knowledge of disability and disability-related healthcare needs is an essential component of nursing education. The National Organization of Nurses with Disabilities (NOND, 2023) identified significant gaps in disability-related content within nursing education and noted that there is no single standardized approach to incorporating disability education into nursing curricula. Gaps are particularly evident in content addressing intellectual, developmental, and emotional disabilities. Integrating disability-focused content throughout the nursing curriculum can help address these educational gaps and better prepare future nurses to provide competent, inclusive, and equitable care to individuals with disabilities. Preparing nursing students to effectively care for people with disabilities is essential to advancing health equity and strengthening the future of healthcare.