People with disability have the right to safe, accessible, and inclusive healthcare. This includes preventative care, primary healthcare, and specialist or allied health services. Poorer health outcomes are common for people with disability; disability does not cause these outcomes. Instead, they result from inequality, discrimination, and barriers within the healthcare system.
People with disability have the right to safe, accessible, and inclusive healthcare. This includes preventative care, primary healthcare, and specialist or allied health services. Poorer health outcomes are common for people with disability; disability does not cause these outcomes. Instead, they result from inequality, discrimination, and barriers within the healthcare system.
Poorer health outcomes are linked to social and systemic barriers
Many people with disability experience poorer physical and mental health outcomes. This is often due to factors such as poverty, insecure housing, economic stress, discrimination, and the long-term impacts of trauma. These are not personal health failings, but the result of ongoing social and systemic inequity.
With the right supports, environments, and resources, people with disability can experience strong physical and mental health — just like anyone else.
Disabled people face multiple obstacles
People with disability face many barriers when trying to access the healthcare they need. These can include:
Long wait times
High appointment costs
A shortage of local healthcare providers
Inaccessible facilities and communication methods
Even when someone manages to attend an appointment, they may encounter health professionals who lack disability awareness or understanding. This can lead to care that does not meet their needs — or worse, causes harm.
Healthcare systems must be redesigned with people with disability
Improving healthcare access for people with disability requires systemic change. This includes:
Involving people with disability in designing healthcare policies and services
Equipping healthcare professionals with inclusive training and knowledge
Addressing the structural causes of inequality that lead to poor health outcomes
Inclusive healthcare is not just about access — it’s about respect, safety, and equity.
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