Advancing Disability Justice in Public Health
Centering Women of Color with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
Healthcare should work for everyone. But too often, women of color with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) face barriers that limit access, understanding, and autonomy.
This initiative brings together tools, training, and lived experience to change that.
Developed in collaboration with a design council of women with I/DD, these resources are built from real experiences, real needs, and real solutions.
What This Project Includes
This resource bundle is designed to support both self-advocates and healthcare providers, creating change at every level of care.
Self-Advocacy Tools
Eight practical tools designed to help individuals:
- Speak up for their needs during healthcare visits
- Navigate appointments with confidence
- Take the lead in their healthcare decisions
- Address inequities related to race, gender, and disability
These tools are available digitally and can also be printed for in-person use.
Provider Tools
Resources to help healthcare professionals deliver more equitable, accessible care, including:
- Guidance for addressing ableism in healthcare settings
- Language shifts from harmful to helpful communication
- Strategies for supporting patient autonomy and dignity
- An eLearning companion guide with key concepts and resources
Training & eLearning
A complete training package to support organizations, including:
- A four-module eLearning course
- A live training session outline and slide deck
- Facilitator notes and participant materials
Topics include:
- Understanding ability and access
- Removing systemic barriers
- Foundations of disability justice
- Applying disability justice in healthcare settings
Why This Work Matters
Healthcare systems often unintentionally reinforce barriers through:
- Inaccessible communication
- Assumptions about patient capacity
- Lack of inclusive practices
- Bias related to race, gender, and disability
This project challenges those systems by centering:
- Autonomy — every person has the right to lead their healthcare decisions
- Access — information must be understandable and usable
- Equity — care must address systemic disparities
- Respect — every patient deserves dignity and trust
As emphasized in the training materials, the way providers communicate can either build trust or reinforce harm.
Designed With, Not For
This work was created in partnership with women of color with I/DD who shared their lived experiences navigating healthcare systems.
Their insights shaped every tool, ensuring the resources are:
- Practical
- Accessible
- Relevant
- Grounded in real-world challenges
This is not theory. It is lived experience turned into action.
Explore the Tools
For Self-Advocates
Use these tools to prepare for appointments, communicate clearly, and advocate for your needs.
- Plan and schedule healthcare visits
- Track symptoms and concerns
- Ask the right questions during appointments
- Understand your healthcare rights
For Providers
Strengthen your practice with tools that support inclusive, patient-centered care.
- Address attitudinal barriers
- Improve communication strategies
- Support patient autonomy
- Build more equitable healthcare environments
Get Started
Access the full resource collection and begin building more equitable, accessible healthcare experiences.
Practical tools to prepare for and navigate healthcare visits
Comprehensive guide for providers, organizations, and advocates
Quick overview of available
tools and training
Interactive training on disability justice in healthcare
A More Equitable Future Starts Here
Disability justice in public health is not a concept. It is a practice.
These tools are a step toward healthcare that listens, adapts, and respects every person’s right to be seen, heard, and supported.
