Project Accessibility: Removing barriers for women with disabilities

Women with disabilities maybe at higher risk due to having certain risk factors such as less physical activity, lack of childbearing, or delayed diagnosis due to barriers in obtaining preventive screening. Data suggests that women with disabilities, particularly those with physical limitations, receive mammograms less often than women without disabilities. This disparity maybe a result of environmental, attitudinal and communication barriers. Data suggests that women with disabilities maybe at higher risk of late-stage breast cancer and higher mortality, due to the fact that their screening was delayed due to various barriers. AAHD in conjunction with Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure developed "Project Accessibility: Removing Barriers for Women with Disabilities" to help raise awareness of the importance of breast health screening for women with disabilities at mammography facilities. "Project Accessibility . . ." is a comprehensive education and empowerment health promotion intervention for women with disabilities who face environmental, cultural and linguistic barriers in receiving breast health care services. Forty FDA approved mammogram facilities in the DC Metro area participated in this two year project. Materials (brochures, survey instruments, evaluation tools) for the project have been developed and utilized over the past two years. A comprehensive facility accessibility survey to collect information on the facility's accessibility and demographics was piloted and implemented. A "Disability and Cultural Awareness Compendium" was developed which includes timely materials on breast cancer prevention, breast self awareness techniques, risk factors and screenings for women with disabilities. This is a replicable project at the community/state level.