It’s common for people with disabilities to have trouble accessing health care, but this problem is often overlooked. These challenges can affect people as they move from pediatric to adult care, and also as they age. I’ve seen how disability and health intersect, both in my academic studies while earning a Master of Public Health from the University of Georgia, and through my own lived experiences as a person with disabilities. I now work at an organization that values promoting equity and access to proper care for people with disabilities.
The Independent Living Resource Center, a disability services and advocacy nonprofit organization, recently released the results of its online public health survey. As the nonprofit’s public health specialist, I created the anonymous questionnaire for people with disabilities and older adults to discuss their experiences accessing care in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties. Participants shared responses between January and November 2023. Topics addressed interactions with health care providers, insurance and other benefits, access to resources, and general thoughts.