Ready Sexy Able Resources
Reproductive Health
Women with Disabilities: Health, Reproduction, and Sexuality Written by disability rights activist Laura Hershey, this entry in the International Encyclopedia of Women: Global Women’s Issues and Knowledge surveys the healthcare needs of women with disabilities (including the right to all basic healthcare and treatments available to nondisabled women), sexuality, barriers to healthcare, and reproductive choice and parenting rights. Read this article
Gynecology Care Center for Women with Disabilities Located in Rochester, New York, the Gynecology Care Center for Women with Disabilities provides services to women with cognitive, physical andneurological disabilities and is “committed to removing barriers to physical wellness.” Their services include routine gynecological care for teens and adults and treatment of gynecological problems. Learn more about this clinic
Center for Women with Disabilities Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Center for Women with Disabilities provides a “comprehensive, patient-centered model of care that encourages and facilitates equal access and accommodation of physical differences.” Services include: routine gynecological care, treatment for issues such as pelvic pain and postmenopausal bleeding, birth control, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, mammograms, and pelvic ultrasounds. The care team also consults, free of charge, with other healthcare providers, community organizations, and disability advocacy organizations on setting up a medical clinic for people with disabilities. Learn more about this clinic.
Initiative for Women with Disabilities Located in New York City, this program provides comprehensive healthcare for women and girls with physical disabilities. Services Include:
- Individual counselling and weekly support groups
- low-cost acupuncture and other wellness services
- An after school program for young women (ages 14-21) with physical disabilities
- Primary healthcare services
- Gynecological services including Pap testing and breast exams, birth control, sexually transmitted infection testing, and treatment of infections
Learn more about this healthcare center
Anne Johnston Health Station. Located in Toronto, this clinic provides healthcare, advocacy, and education to seniors, young people, and people with physical disabilities. Services include primary healthcare, disease prevention, and educational groups on everything from physical fitness to sexual health. target=”_blank”>visit the clinic’s Web site
World Health organization: Disability and healthFact Sheet An international overview of health concerns and healthcare needs of people with long-term disabilities emphasizes the gaps in healthcare for disabled people. Recommendations include increased physical access to clinics, more knowledgeable service providers, and changes to policies that currently prevent equal access. The entire fact sheet is here.
Rocking the Cradle This report from the National Council on Disability examines the bariers facing parents and potential parents with disabilities in the child welfare system, family courts, adoption agencies and policies, and assisted reproductive services. The recommendations are extensive, and include:
- “States must eliminate disability from their statutes as grounds for termination of parental rights and enact legislation that ensures the rights of parents with disabilities.”
- “Family court professionals—including judges, attorneys, and evaluation personnel—should receive training related to parenting with a disability.”
- “DOJ should issue guidance to domestic public and private adoption agencies, as well as private adoption agencies engaging in international adoption on U.S. soil, regarding their legal obligations pursuant to the ADA.”
Through the Looking Glass This Berkeley, California-based organization supports families with disabilities in the bay Area and across the United States. In-person services include support groups, therapy, disability adaptations and assistive technology for disabled parents, Early Headstart program for disabled children, mentoring and support group for disabled teens, and much more. Nationally available services include legal advocacy, consultation, and expert witness services in custody or child welfare cases where at least one parent is disabled, training, research, and adaptive technology consultation. Through The Looking Glass publishes free, downloadable information pamphlets including: A Disability Culture Perspective on Early Intervention with Parents with Physical or Cognitive Disabilities and their Infants, Babycare Assistive Technology, and Classroom Guide for Teachers concerning Parents with Disabilities and their Children. See all the resources and services offered by this organization.