Promoting Access and Equity: A Historical Perspective of Healthcare Access for People With Disabilities.

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Jason M Rotoli, University of Rochester; Anika Backster, Emory University; Cori Poffenberger, University of New Mexico; Wendy C Coates, University of California Los Angeles
• Language: English
• Date: 2022-11
• Publisher: Cureus
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2022, Rotoli et al.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.7759/cureus.31594
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Cureus
• Volume: 14
• Issue: 11
• Start Page: e31594
• End Page: e31594
• Keywords: disability advocacy; deafness; access to health care; blindness; accommodations; provider education and collaboration; ableism; americans with disabilities act; mobility limitation; disability
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery

Abstract

People with disabilities represent a large and often under-recognized minority population in the United States. Historically, negative healthcare provider perceptions and limited critical social determinants of health (including community living and education) have resulted in inequitable healthcare and access for this vulnerable group. Within the last 40 years, there have been some advances in legislation to improve access and support for those with disabilities. Since then, advances in accommodations have enabled better access to critical health-related resources and care. Continued forward progress and increased awareness are imperative to improve access, reduce disparities in healthcare, and combat discrimination.