Research Information on Independent Living - RIIL

Access to Health Care for Women with Disabilities

Agenda

1. Introduction

2. Financial barriers
2.1. Unemployment
2.2. Being single
2.3. Low income
2.4. Lack of health insurance

3. Problems with health insurance
3.1. Needed services, equipment, supplies, and medications denied or not covered
3.2. Inadequate access to specialists
3.3. Inadequate access to knowledgeable primary care providers

4. Environmental inaccessibility
4.1. Low compliance with ADA
4.2. Architectural inaccessibility
4.3. Equipment inaccessibility

5. Recommendations for individuals and ILCs
5.1. Don't take no for an answer!
5.2. Be persistent.
5.3. Alert medical professionals to your needs in advance.
5.4. Be prepared.
5.4.1. Look up your health problems on the Internet.
5.4.2. Make a list of questions in advance.
5.5. Be a partner with your health care provider.
5.6. Participate actively in decision-making about your health.
5.7. Ask for clarification if you don't understand the explanation
5.8. Look up issues discussed on the Internet.
5.9. Use this as an opportunity to educate your provider.

Posted handouts:
Top 10 barriers article revised
Finding a Health Care Provider by Cathy Bontke
List of health information web sites