Back to Annual Meeting

Back to Annual Meeting

APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Patricia Welch Saleeby, PhD, MSSA, School of Social Work, University of Missouri - St. Louis, One University Blvd, Lucas Hall 583, Saint Louis, MO 63121, 314-516-4654, saleebyp@umsl.edu

While every woman is at risk for developing breast cancer, women with disabilities remain significantly disadvantaged due to numerous factors including less access to breast health screening and diagnostic services than any other group of women. To develop a greater understanding of these issues, focus groups among women with disabilities and breast health professionals as well as breast health facility site surveys were conducted. Key barriers were identified such as inaccessible health care facilities, non-adapted medical equipment, lack of information specifically targeted to women with disabilities, and lack of knowledge and experience among health care providers in working with women with disabilities. To address these concerns, a one-of-a-kind specialized program was developed to improve breast health services for women with disabilities in Missouri. Three educational materials were created including a consumer comprehensive guide for women across different types of disabilities addressing their unique issues to improve their awareness and knowledge related to breast health care (e.g. how to conduct a modified self breast exam), a guide for breast health care providers on specific issues and recommendations related to improving breast health services (e.g. how to make their facility accessible), and a resource directory on breast health services featuring in-depth details on accessible breast health facilities and services available throughout Missouri (e.g. who has an adapted mammography machine). This presentation will describe the evidence leading to program implementation, review the three educational resources, and discuss the outcomes impacting women with disabilities and breast health professionals.

Learning Objectives: At the end of the session participants will be able to

• Identify key issues impacting the rights of women with disabilities in accessing breast health care services.
• Describe a community organization’s efforts to address these issues.
• Replicate program materials to improve breast health services for women with disabilities.

Keywords: Breast Cancer Programs, Disability

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered