158657 Health handbook for women with disabilities: We can do it for ourselves

Tuesday, November 6, 2007: 3:15 PM

Darlena M. David , Hesperian Foundation, Berkeley, CA
Health handbook for women with disabilities: We can do it for ourselves The social stigma of disability and inadequate care are often greater barriers to health for women with disabilities than the disabilities themselves. Because of this, women with disabilities are often denied care outright, unable to access existing care, or face assumptions about what care is appropriate and necessary. Even among progressive women's healthcare providers, the needs of women with disabilities are often poorly understood and unaddressed. A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities was written by Hesperian in collaboration with women with disabilities worldwide. It adopts a unique, progressive approach– empowering women with disabilities to improve their general health, self-esteem, and abilities to care for themselves and participate in their communities. Packed with useful information, helpful tips, and illustrations that deepen our learning, this practical tool for gaining health rights reflects sound practice and the voices and experiences of women with disabilities from around the world.

Learning Objectives:
1.Identify at least 3 social barriers to acessing health care for women with disabilities. 2.Identify at least 3 ways to organize in your community for health and human rights for women with disabilities. 3.Discuss ways that health care practitioners and women with disabilities can work together to improve access to care and community life for women of all abilities.

Keywords: Access to Health Care, Women's Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.