Access to quality healthcare is essential for a stable, healthy life – but for many people with disabilities, it’s still out of reach.
Health Equity & Disability is an educational package from THINK+change that highlights innovative solutions in medical accessibility and equips people with disabilities – and the people who support them – with the knowledge and strategies to navigate a complex and often inaccessible healthcare system.
TALKS – Raising the Bar for Disability Medical Care
15-Minute Documentary
What does it really take for a medical facility to be truly accessible? Not just in design, but in attitude, system, and practice. Through the lived experiences of patients like Chris Layne, who saw her access to care shift dramatically after becoming a wheelchair user, and Dawn Russell, with a lifetime of experience with a developmental disability, who finally experienced equitable care at Tepeyac Community Health Center, we see the consequences of inaccessibility and the impact of doing better. This storytelling documentary shows a reimagining of what is possible for healthcare facilities and how they can truly become the “gold standard” of accessibility.
TRAININGS – Becoming Empowered at the Doctor’s Office
20-Minute Microlearning Series (3 Parts)
Going to the doctor’s office can be scary for many of us! And, for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), it can be a difficult experience because of barriers to care, such as medical ableism.
These short microlearning videos are plain-language trainings to help people with IDD speak up for themselves and make the most out of their medical care. Through role-playing and simplified explanations, actors with disabilities from our Colorado community are ready to help YOU become empowered at the doctor’s office!
TOOLS – Making Medical Appointments Easier
Downloadable PDFs
Navigating medical appointments can feel overwhelming – especially when accessibility isn’t guaranteed. This practical, easy-to-use guide is designed to help people with disabilities, their caregivers, and families prepare for healthcare visits with confidence!
Inside, you’ll find helpful checklists and worksheets that make it easier to:
- Communicate your access needs clearly
- Prepare questions and topics to discuss with providers
- Track symptoms and concerns ahead of time
- Advocate for accommodations like longer appointments, communication support, or accessible exam tables
Available in Spanish and English – All videos are in English and offer English Closed Captioning and Spanish subtitles. All TOOLS are in English and Spanish.
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Made Possible by our Sponsors:
Developmental Pathways, JFK Partners, Stepping Stone Support Center, arc Thrift Stores, and The Arc of Aurora